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Substance sprayed on Rep Ilhan Omar reportedly identified as apple cider vinegar; FBI investigating
By Alexandra Koch
Published January 28, 2026
A man accused of attacking Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., during a town hall event on Tuesday reportedly sprayed what is believed to be apple cider vinegar on the congresswoman.
Anthony James Kazmierczak, 55, was seen on video lunging at Omar while spraying an unknown substance on her shirt.
Right before the attack, Omar called for the resignation or impeachment of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, following multiple fatal shootings involving federal immigration enforcement agents in Minneapolis.
Rep. Ilhan Omar reacts after she was sprayed with a substance during a town hall event, Tuesday, in Minneapolis. (Fox News)
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Witnesses could be heard commenting on the foul odor of the substance, which was later identified by a hazmat team as apple cider vinegar, Alpha News reported.
Omar's office issued a statement after the attack, noting the substance was sprayed with a syringe.
A man is tackled after spraying a substance at Rep. Ilhan Omar during a town hall she was hosting, Tuesday, in Minneapolis. (Octavio Jones/AFP via Getty Images)
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"Unacceptable. Violence and intimidation have no place in Minneapolis," Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey wrote in a statement. "We can disagree without putting people at risk. I’m relieved Rep. Ilhan Omar is okay and appreciate MPD for responding quickly. This kind of behavior will not be tolerated in our city."
Kazmierczak, who was previously convicted of two DUIs, is charged with third-degree assault and was booked into the Hennepin County Jail.
Omar continued with her speech after the attack. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
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The Minneapolis Police Department confirmed to Fox News Digital that the FBI is leading the investigation.
The FBI and Omar's office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/substance-sprayed-rep-ilhan-omar-reportedly-identified-apple-cider-vinegar-fbi-investigating