Caught on Camera: Protester Charged With Federal Assault After Vile Attack on DOJ Official
WASHINGTON, D.C. – MAY 22, 2025 – The Department of Justice has officially charged Emily Gabriella Sommer under 18 U.S.C. § 111, a federal statute covering assault on U.S. officials, after she spat on DOJ official Ed Martin during a live Newsmax interview outside the federal courthouse in D.C.
The incident occurred earlier this month, as Ed Martin, who was then Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, was discussing ongoing DOJ matters on air. Mid-interview, Sommer approached aggressively, spit directly in Martin’s face, and then launched into a profanity-laced tirade.
“Whoa!” Martin exclaimed as he backed away from the confrontation.
“You’re a disgusting man!” Sommer yelled while storming off with her dog.
Caught on Tape and Online
In an uncensored version of the footage, Sommer is heard screaming, “Who the f* are you?! You are Ed Martin!**” moments before launching the spit. She then proudly identified herself by full name, shouting:
“My name is Emily Gabriella SOMMER, and you are served!”
But it didn’t end there.
In what legal analysts are calling self-incriminating online confessions, Sommer posted multiple statements on X (formerly Twitter) confirming the assault in graphic, vulgar detail.
“That was me that spit in your face today… A pleasure to hawk a dehydrated, pithy white foam spit into your face,” she wrote.
“I only apologize that this city left me so dehydrated… I’ll find that footage and laugh for a lifetime.”
In another unhinged post, she called Martin a “punk ass bitch cuckold” and launched into a rant filled with racist, misogynistic, and violent rhetoric, mocking Martin’s appearance, race, and attire.
DOJ Response: No Tolerance for Attacks on Federal Officials
The Justice Department swiftly filed charges, citing Title 18 U.S. Code § 111, which criminalizes assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers. Violations can result in up to 8 years in prison—or more if injury or a deadly weapon is involved.
“Assault on a federal official, especially during the performance of their duties, is a serious federal crime,” a DOJ spokesperson stated.
“We will not tolerate politically motivated violence or intimidation.”
Who Is Ed Martin?
Ed Martin is a prominent conservative legal figure and former Trump ally, now serving in a high-profile DOJ role. Known for his constitutional advocacy and vocal criticism of judicial overreach, Martin has frequently appeared on Newsmax, Real America’s Voice, and other conservative platforms.
He responded to the incident with composure, urging viewers to “stay focused” even as the confrontation unfolded.
Political and Legal Fallout
Legal experts say the case could set a major precedent for political violence targeting federal officials in public settings. Sommer’s open admission and defiant tone may also complicate any legal defense, as she voluntarily confessed to the crime on a public platform.
Conservatives are calling the attack an example of left-wing extremism, while free speech advocates warn of rising tensions and a need for respectful civic engagement—not spit-fueled assaults.
Next Steps
Sommer is expected to be arraigned in federal court in the coming days. If convicted, she could face significant jail time, along with federal probation and restitution.
For now, the Justice Department has made its position clear:
You don’t get to assault a federal officer on camera and brag about it online — not without consequences.
