MAGA Follower with Progressive Children and Criminal History Accused of Assaulting Ilhan Omar
The individual accused of spraying Congresswoman Ilhan Omar with a syringe during a public event has been identified as a devoted MAGA supporter with progressive children and an extensive criminal background, according to revelations from the Daily Mail.
Anthony 'Andy' Kazmierczak, aged 55, was taken into custody on Tuesday and charged with third-degree assault following an alleged attack on Omar at a town hall gathering in Minneapolis. The incident occurred as the congresswoman was advocating for the abolition of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency.
A Troubled Legal History Spanning Decades
This alleged assault represents merely the latest chapter in Kazmierczak's long history of encounters with law enforcement. Records indicate that his criminal activities date back to the late 1980s, featuring multiple convictions including motor vehicle theft and six separate instances of drunk driving.
Beyond these serious offenses, his legal troubles have included charges related to disturbances caused by his barking dog and numerous traffic violations. These encompass reckless driving, speeding, and deliberately driving through or around highway barricades.
Financial Struggles and Personal Challenges
Parallel to his legal difficulties, Kazmierczak has faced significant financial hardship. Court documents reveal that he filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection on two separate occasions—first in 2004 and again in 2017.
His most recent bankruptcy petition disclosed debts exceeding $95,000 owed to twenty-four different creditors. These included banks, credit card companies, tax authorities, and various medical clinics.
According to a neighbor, Kazmierczak suffers from Parkinson's Disease and was involved in a car accident several years ago that resulted in spinal damage. The neighbor claimed this accident left him heavily medicated and significantly limited in his physical capabilities.
Employment History and Family Dynamics
It remains unclear whether Kazmierczak was employed at the time of the alleged assault. His Facebook profile suggests he worked as a phone company business consultant for twenty-two years, though other records point toward a career in engineering.
His social media presence shows no indication of current employment, instead featuring numerous posts about his dogs and his two children, who identify as queer and transgender.
Kazmierczak has a daughter named Drew, aged 22, and a 20-year-old transgender son named Toby, who was born female and originally called Katya. The father frequently shares childhood photographs of his children on social platforms, reminiscing about cherished memories from their younger years.
Public records indicate that Toby graduated from high school in 2024, while Drew works as a hairstylist at a Minnesota salon. On her professional Instagram account, Drew highlights that she is queer and uses the pronouns 'she/they'.
Progressive Activism and Conservative Politics
Despite his children's progressive identities and activism, Kazmierczak maintains staunch conservative political views. As a freshman in high school, Drew participated in a protest against gun violence organized in response to the Parkland school shooting.
At the time, she told local media that students were organizing because elected officials were failing to address constituents' needs, particularly regarding gun violence prevention. She specifically criticized suggestions that teachers should carry weapons for protection.
In contrast, Kazmierczak has posted numerous social media comments criticizing Omar and other Democratic figures. In 2022, he compared President Joe Biden to the cartoon character Elmer Fudd and penned sarcastic remarks about Democratic leadership.
He has blamed Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison for what he describes as 'rampant crime' in the state and called for his resignation. More recently, he has expressed support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and added an Israeli flag to a photograph of his dog, suggesting backing for Israel in the Gaza war.
The Town Hall Incident and Aftermath
According to neighbor Brian Kelley, Kazmierczak warned that he 'might get arrested' at Omar's Minneapolis town hall in a text message sent before the event. Kelley agreed to watch Kazmierczak's dog but said the arrangement was later canceled.
During the town hall, tensions were already heightened following recent fatal shootings by immigration agents. Omar had just called for the abolition of ICE and for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign or face impeachment when the alleged attack occurred.
Kazmierczak is accused of running toward Omar and spraying a light brown substance from a syringe, which witnesses described as having a strong, vinegar-like odor. He reportedly told Omar to resign and claimed she was 'tearing Minnesota apart' before security personnel intervened.
Omar continued speaking for approximately twenty-five minutes after the incident, declaring she would not be intimidated. She later posted on social media that she was unharmed and described herself as a survivor who wouldn't let bullies win.
Political Reactions and Ongoing Investigation
Former President Donald Trump has since commented on the incident, calling Omar 'a fraud' and suggesting she might have faked the syringe attack. When asked if he had watched footage of the event, Trump stated he hadn't seen the video and expressed hope that he wouldn't 'have to bother'.
Kazmierczak remains in custody following his arrest for third-degree assault. The case continues to develop as authorities investigate the full circumstances surrounding the alleged attack and Kazmierczak's motivations.
