A woman was arrested Thursday for spitting on Ed Martin Jr., the then-acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, during a sidewalk interview outside his office, court records show.
The Spitting Incident and Charges
On May 8, while being interviewed by a Newsmax reporter, Martin was approached by Emily Gabriella Sommer, 32, who spat on his left shoulder.
- Video footage captured Sommer calling Martin “a disgusting man” and declaring, “My name is Emily Gabriella Sommer, and you are served,” before walking away.
- The incident occurred the same day President Donald Trump withdrew Martin’s nomination to become permanent U.S. Attorney for D.C.
- Sommer later admitted to the act in a social media reply to Martin.
- She was charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding a government official—a federal offense carrying up to eight years in prison.
Courtroom Behavior and Release
At her initial court appearance in Washington, D.C., Sommer repeatedly disrupted the proceedings with outbursts.
- She was handcuffed and shackled when brought into the courtroom and had to be physically removed after interrupting the magistrate judge.
- Sommer later apologized for her courtroom conduct.
- A federal magistrate judge ordered her release from custody following the hearing.
Background Context
Martin’s nomination was met with bipartisan opposition due to his controversial handling of politically sensitive cases, including defending individuals involved in the Capitol riot.
- Former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro replaced Martin as acting U.S. Attorney, and her name appears on court filings related to Sommer’s case.
Information sourced from:
- U.S. Department of Justice
- Federal Court Records
- Newsmax