A 55-year-old man who attacked United States Representative Ilhan Omar by spraying her with apple cider vinegar during a town hall meeting in Minneapolis has been sentenced to 14 months in prison.
Anthony James Kazmierczak was sentenced on Thursday after pleading guilty to assaulting a U.S. officer. He admitted that the January 27 attack was politically motivated and that he targeted Omar because of their opposing political views.
Kazmierczak, who was seated in the front row during the town hall, suddenly approached Omar and sprayed a dark mixture of water and vinegar onto her clothing and skin. He was quickly restrained by members of Omar’s security team and arrested.
During the incident, Kazmierczak could be heard shouting that Omar should resign and accusing her of “splitting Minnesota apart.” Omar was not injured and continued with the town hall after the attack.
Prosecutors said Kazmierczak had sent messages to several people before the incident, indicating that the assault had been planned. He also reportedly arranged for someone to care for his dog and made inquiries about securing a bail bond.
In court, Kazmierczak apologised to Omar, saying he had spent enough time in jail reflecting on his actions.
The attack occurred amid heightened political tensions in Minnesota over immigration enforcement and Omar’s criticism of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen previously described the case as an example of political hostility being turned into criminal behaviour.
Kazmierczak had also made several political statements on social media, including criticism of former President Joe Biden and the Democratic Party, while expressing support for Donald Trump.
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