Anthony Kazmierczak’s ex-wife, Patrice Benoit, said she was “heartbroken” after learning about an incident involving Representative Ilhan Omar at a town hall in Minneapolis on Tuesday.
Why It Matters
Omar, a Democrat, was sprayed with an unknown substance during the event, which took place as Minneapolis remains a focal point of President Donald Trump’s stepped-up immigration enforcement.
Earlier in the town hall, Omar had called for abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and urged Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign or face impeachment.
Kazmierczak, 55, was arrested and booked into Hennepin County Jail on suspicion of third-degree assault in connection with the incident, according to a spokesperson for the Minneapolis Police Department.
Omar’s office said she was not seriously harmed and continued with the event. The incident comes amid heightened concern over political violence, following multiple high-profile attacks in recent months.
What to Know
Benoit addressed the incident in a statement.
“I was married briefly to Anthony Kazmierczak, and we divorced in March 2017. Our relationship ended at that time, nearly nine years ago. I am heartbroken to hear of the attack on Ilhan Omar and wish peace, strength, and healing to everyone affected, including Ilhan’s family and community and Anthony’s family,” she said.
Minneapolis police said officers working the town hall saw a man “use a syringe to spray an unknown liquid onto” Omar.
According to reporting by AP and The Times, the liquid had a strong vinegar-like smell. The substance has not been publicly identified, and authorities said a forensics team responded at the scene.
Omar’s office also described what happened in a statement posted to X, saying an “agitator” attempted to attack her by spraying an unknown substance with a syringe, and that security and Minneapolis police quickly apprehended the suspect. The statement added that Omar was okay and continued the town hall.
What We Know About Anthony Kazmierczak
CNN reported that Kazmierczak has been married and divorced twice. Court filings from a 2017 divorce case reportedly state that he has two children, was not employed, and was receiving disability insurance payments.
CNN also reported that a Facebook profile attributed to Kazmierczak included political posts, including criticism of prominent Democrats. The profile also reportedly shared a political cartoon in October 2021 criticizing Omar’s security spending.
Minneapolis and Immigration Enforcement Tensions
Minneapolis has drawn national attention as a hub of the Trump administration’s immigration operations, which have faced scrutiny after federal agents fatally shot two American citizens in separate incidents earlier this month.
The city has also seen protests—along with demonstrations elsewhere in the country—over the administration’s immigration policies. Trump has also pointed to alleged fraud concerns in Minnesota and has said his administration plans enforcement operations targeting Somalis in the state.
Reports about ICE enforcement tactics have also sparked controversy, including allegations that children have been used as “bait.” A YouGov poll conducted January 21–23, 2026, of 1,121 adults found that 56 percent of respondents believed ICE has been “too forceful” in its tactics.
Trump has repeatedly criticized Omar and recently posted on Truth Social about her finances. After the town hall incident, Trump told a reporter Omar “probably had herself sprayed.”
What People Are Saying
U.S. Capitol Police said a man was taken into custody after allegedly assaulting a member of Congress, calling the act unacceptable and saying officials would pursue the most serious charges possible to deter similar violence.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz wrote on X that he was glad Omar was safe and urged an end to “cruel, inflammatory, dehumanizing rhetoric” from national leaders.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey wrote on X that violence and intimidation have no place in the city, adding that disagreements must not put people at risk and thanking police for responding quickly.
What Happens Next
Booking records indicate Kazmierczak is being held without bail. It was not immediately clear when he would appear in court. Authorities have not publicly identified the substance that was sprayed.
