A federal judge has ordered that the man accused of spraying Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) with a syringe filled with apple cider vinegar during a Minneapolis town hall last month remain in custody pending trial.
Magistrate Judge David Schultz ruled that Anthony Kazmierczak, 56, should not be released, citing the seriousness of the allegations.
In an order dated Monday, Schultz wrote:
“The Court further finds detention is warranted in this case because clear and convincing evidence shows that no condition or combination of conditions of release will reasonably assure the safety of the community, should Mr. Kazmierczak be released pending trial.”
The judge also referenced what he described as “exceedingly serious and dangerous circumstances” surrounding the alleged assault.
Charges and Allegations
The incident occurred while Omar was speaking about immigration policy and calling for a transparent investigation into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as the abolition of the agency.
She also said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem should resign or “face impeachment.”
According to court documents, Kazmierczak allegedly admitted to Minneapolis police that he had squirted vinegar on Omar.
He has been charged with one felony count of terroristic threats and one count of fifth-degree assault.
Questions and Political Reaction
In the aftermath of the incident, some critics accused Omar of staging or exaggerating the attack, arguing it was meant to deflect attention from scrutiny surrounding a Somali-linked fraud scheme in Minnesota.
President Donald Trump cast doubt on the episode in comments to ABC News.
When asked whether he had watched footage of the incident, Trump said:
“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.”
Court Appearance and Background
Kazmierczak made his initial court appearance earlier this month wearing a yellow jumpsuit.
His court-appointed attorney, John Fossum, told the court that the color indicated his client was being held in solitary confinement.
Fossum also raised concerns about Kazmierczak’s mental state.
During the appearance, Kazmierczak waived his right to a probable cause hearing.
Court records show he has prior convictions for driving while intoxicated in 2009 and 2010.
According to records, he served one day in jail followed by five years of supervised probation for the 2010 conviction and was placed on 30 days of home detention in connection with the 2009 case.
Kazmierczak will remain in custody as the case moves toward trial.
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