MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Anthony Kazmierczak, 56, was sentenced to 14 months in prison on Thursday after pleading guilty to assaulting Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar during a town hall in Minneapolis. The incident occurred on January 27, 2026, amid heightened tensions in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area due to an immigration crackdown that resulted in protests and arrests.
Kazmierczak will also serve three years of supervised release, which includes a prohibition on contacting Omar. U.S. District Judge Joan N. Ericksen stated that the act was premeditated, as Kazmierczak had obtained tickets for the town hall weeks in advance. She characterized the attack as misguided and inconsistent with democratic principles, emphasizing that it was a serious offense against a public figure.
During the sentencing, Kazmierczak, who has Parkinson's disease, appeared visibly shaken and expressed remorse for his actions. He acknowledged the impact of his mental health struggles and previous issues with alcohol abuse. His attorney argued that Kazmierczak was not taking his mental health medications at the time of the incident, which contributed to his behavior.
Witnesses reported that Kazmierczak jumped from the audience and sprayed a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar at Omar while accusing her of dividing Minnesota. He was quickly subdued by Omar's security and arrested by police. Omar was not harmed and continued with the event after the incident.
Kazmierczak had communicated with several individuals prior to the incident, indicating he planned to act during the meeting but did not disclose his intentions. The government’s sentencing memorandum noted Kazmierczak's long-standing health issues and mental health concerns.
Omar, a Somali refugee, has been a frequent target of political attacks, including derogatory comments from former President Donald Trump. Kazmierczak had previously expressed criticism of both Trump and President Joe Biden on social media, reflecting a broader context of political tension in the area during the time of the attack.