Trump’s Remarks on Ilhan Omar Being Sprayed with Apple Cider Vinegar: “She Likely Sprayed Herself, Given Her Nature”
According to court documents released on Thursday, the Justice Department has charged a man who sprayed apple cider vinegar on a Democratic U.S. Rep. at an event in Minneapolis.
Anthony Kazmierczak, the man in question, is facing a charge of forcibly assaulting, opposing, impeding, and intimidating Omar, as per a complaint filed in federal court.
An affidavit states that authorities determined the substance was a combination of water and apple cider vinegar. The affidavit further notes that after Kazmierczak sprayed Omar with the liquid, he reportedly said, “She isn’t resigning. You’re dividing Minnesotans.” Court documents also reveal that Kazmierczak told a close associate several years ago that “someone should kill” Omar.
It was unclear whether Kazmierczak had an attorney to comment on the allegations. A message was left with the federal defender’s office in Minnesota.
The attack took place during a precarious political period in Minneapolis, where immigrants were being arrested by federal agents as part of the White House’s aggressive immigration crackdown.
Kazmierczak has a criminal record and has made online posts in support of Republican President Donald Trump.
Omar, [a Minnesota congresswoman], has long been a target of Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric. When she was elected seven years ago, Trump said she should leave the country. More recently, he criticized her and called for her investigation. During a speech in Iowa earlier this week, just before Omar was attacked, he stated that immigrants should be proud of the United States — “not like Ilhan Omar.”
On Wednesday, Omar blamed Trump for the threats to her safety.
“Every time the U.S. president has chosen to use hateful language to speak about me and the community I represent, the number of death threats I receive soars,” Omar told reporters.
Trump accused Omar of staging the attack, telling ABC News, “She probably sprayed herself, knowing her.”
Minnesota court records show that Kazmierczak was convicted of felony auto theft in 1989, has been arrested multiple times for driving under the influence, and has had numerous traffic violations. There are also indications that he has faced significant financial difficulties, including two bankruptcy filings.
In social media posts, Kazmierczak criticized former President Joe Biden and described Democrats as “angry and liars.” He wrote that Trump “wants the US to be stronger and more prosperous” and “to stop other countries from stealing from us.”
In another post, Kazmierczak asked, “When will descendants of slaves pay restitution to the families of Union soldiers for freeing them and sacrificing for them, instead of sending them back to Africa?”
According to the latest data from the U.S. Capitol Police, threats against members of Congress have risen in recent years, peaking in 2021 after the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, then slightly decreasing before increasing again.
Officials stated that they investigated nearly 15,000 “concerning statements, actions, and communications aimed at Members of Congress, their families, staff, and the Capitol Complex” in 2025.
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Richer reported from Washington.