The man accused of assaulting Congresswoman Ilhan Omar with a syringe containing an unknown liquid at a Minnesota town hall reportedly warned his neighbour beforehand that he 'might get arrested' at the event. Anthony Kazmierczak, a 55-year-old Minneapolis native, was arrested on Tuesday for third-degree assault following the alleged attack.
Neighbour Reveals Forewarning of Potential Arrest
It has now emerged that Kazmierczak hinted at the impending incident in a text message sent to his neighbour, Brian Kelley, prior to the town hall. Kelley informed the New York Post that Kazmierczak mentioned he was 'going to this Omar thing' and requested assistance with watching his dog.
'He said, "I might get arrested",' Kelley recounted to the outlet. 'I figured it was nonsense. He wasn't going to do anything stupid.' Kelley agreed to walk the dog, but stated that Kazmierczak later cancelled the arrangement, claiming he had 'got it covered'.
Profile of the Alleged Assailant
Kelley described Kazmierczak as a supporter of President Donald Trump who 'doesn't like Omar', but emphasised he never imagined him capable of physical assault. The neighbour also disclosed that the alleged assailant has Parkinson's Disease and suffered a car crash several years ago that damaged his spine, leaving him 'heavily medicated' and with limited physical capacity since.
Details of the Town Hall Confrontation
The incident occurred during a town hall in Minneapolis where tensions over federal immigration enforcement have escalated following the fatal shooting of two protesters by agents this month. Omar had just called for the abolition of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agency and demanded the resignation or impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
'ICE cannot be reformed,' Omar declared moments before the attack. 'DHS Secretary Kristi Noem must resign or face impeachment.'
The Alleged Attack Unfolds
Kazmierczak allegedly ran toward the podium and used a syringe to spray a light brown, mystery substance with a strong, vinegar-like odour at Omar. Witnesses reported the pungent smell immediately after he depressed the syringe. He then shouted at Omar to resign, accusing her of 'tearing Minnesota apart' before security guards dragged him away.
The audience cheered as Kazmierczak was subdued, with his arms pinned behind his back. Omar appeared ready to confront her assailant, muttering 'F**king a**hole' as he was removed from the venue.
Aftermath and Political Reactions
Omar continued speaking for approximately 25 minutes after the disruption, asserting she would not be intimidated. Exiting the event, she admitted feeling slightly flustered but unhurt, and planned to undergo medical screening. Later, on social media platform X, she posted: 'I'm ok. I'm a survivor so this small agitator isn't going to intimidate me from doing my work. I don't let bullies win.'
Police arrested Kazmierczak immediately, booking him at the county jail on third-degree assault charges. Forensic scientists were dispatched to the scene to investigate.
Trump's Controversial Comments
President Donald Trump subsequently commented on the incident, labelling Omar 'a fraud' and insinuating she might have orchestrated the syringe spray attack herself. When asked by ABC News if he had watched the footage, Trump responded: 'No. I don't think about her. I think she's a fraud. I really don't think about that. She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her.' He added that he had not seen the video and hoped 'I don't have to bother'.
The attack has intensified the ongoing political debate surrounding immigration policy and the role of ICE, with calls mounting on Capitol Hill for Secretary Noem to step down following the recent shooting deaths in Minneapolis. Few Republicans have publicly defended her position in the wake of these events.
