Congresswoman Ilhan Omar Sprayed with Vinegar at Town Hall Meeting as FBI Steps In
The FBI has taken the lead in the criminal investigation into Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., being sprayed with a liquid while she spoke at a town hall meeting on Tuesday.
Federal authorities confirmed that the incident occurred at Urban League headquarters in north Minneapolis, where Omar was interrupted mid-speech by a man who allegedly sprayed her with a substance from a syringe.
Minneapolis police spokesman Trevor Folke stated Wednesday that the FBI is now leading the case, signaling the likelihood of federal charges.
The suspect, identified as 55-year-old Anthony James Kazmierczak of Minneapolis, remains jailed in Hennepin County. He was initially booked on suspicion of third-degree assault but officials anticipate federal charges given the FBI’s involvement.
U.S. Capitol Police, which investigates threats against members of Congress, said it is working with federal partners to ensure the suspect faces the most serious charges possible to deter such violence.
Sources confirmed that the liquid used was apple cider vinegar and posed no chemical threat, though witnesses described a strong smell resembling vinegar or ammonia. Video from the town hall showed a man standing several feet from Omar, raising a syringe before a liquid appeared to strike her.
Security guards swiftly tackled the suspect as Omar moved toward him, and he was escorted out while attendees reacted in shock.
Omar, who has long been a polarizing figure on the national stage, was speaking about immigration policy at the time of the disruption. She called for the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Despite aides urging caution, Omar continued the event for more than 20 minutes after the incident and later stated she was uninjured. “Here’s the reality that people like this ugly man don’t understand,” Omar told attendees, “We are Minnesota strong, and we will stay resilient in the face of whatever they might throw at us.”
The town hall featured heavy security measures, including metal detectors and police vehicles outside, reflecting ongoing concerns about threats to elected officials. Omar has previously acknowledged receiving extensive security protection, such as a 24-hour Capitol Police detail in 2023.
Later Tuesday night, President Donald Trump criticized the incident, claiming he had not seen video footage and accusing Omar of staging it. “I think she’s a fraud,” Trump said, adding that she “probably had herself sprayed.”
