Photo Anthony Kazmierczak and girlfriend
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The Minneapolis man who squirted U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar with apple cider vinegar has been charged with federal offenses.

Anthony Kazmierczak is pictured above with his Somali girlfriend.

Kazmierczak, 55, was charged with assault after he sprayed Omar with apple cider vinegar from a syringe during her town hall meeting in Minneapolis on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

The incident happened when Omar called for defunding ICE after federal agents killed 2 protesters in Minneapolis.

“ICE cannot be reformed,” Omar said, seconds before Kazmierczak rushed forward and sprayed her with a substance from a syringe.

Investigators say Kazmierczak has a history of criminal offenses, including DUI charges.

His ex-wife, Patrice Benoit, spoke out to distance herself from Kazmierczak.

Speaking exclusively to Newsweek, Benoit offered her sympathy to Omar and other victims.

“I was married briefly to Anthony Kazmierczak, and we divorced in March 2017. Our relationship ended at that time, nearly nine years ago,” she stated.

“I am heartbroken to hear of the attack on llhan Omar and wish peace, strength, and healing to everyone affected, including Ilhan’s family and community and Anthony’s family.”

Some social media users say the incident was “staged” or “fake news.” Omar trended on X (Twitter) late Tuesday under the hashtag #Fakenews.

“Something about this doesn’t add up,” said conservative comedian Terrence J. Williams in a video uploaded to X on Tuesday.

“If someone randomly sprayed me with a substance, I’d be running to the nearest bathroom to wash my eyes and skin — or straight to the hospital,” he added.

Omar is a U.S. citizen who fled Somalia with her family at age 8 to escape a civil war.