A DC woman faces assault charges after spitting on former interim U.S. Attorney Ed Martin during a live television interview, an incident she later proudly claimed responsibility for on social media.
At a Glance
- Emily Gabriella Sommer, 32, was arrested for spitting on former interim U.S. Attorney Ed Martin Jr. during a Newsmax interview
- Sommer approached Martin, confirmed his identity, then spit on his shoulder before declaring he had been “served”
- She later claimed responsibility on Martin’s social media accounts, writing “that was me that spit in your face today”
- Martin, a Trump appointee, had faced opposition from some GOP senators over January 6 prosecution disagreements
- Sommer is charged with one count of assaulting, resisting, or impeding a government official
Attack Caught on Camera
Emily Gabriella Sommer, a 32-year-old Washington DC woman, has been charged with assault after spitting on former interim U.S. Attorney Ed Martin Jr. during a live television interview. The incident occurred while Martin was speaking with Newsmax outside the U.S. Attorney’s Office headquarters in Washington. Security cameras captured the entire confrontation, which has now become evidence in the criminal case against Sommer.
According to court documents, Sommer approached Martin during the interview, used profane language, and specifically confirmed his identity before the assault. “Martin turned to face Sommer. Sommer then said, ‘Are you Ed Martin? You are. Ed Martin.’ Sommer lunged at Martin and spit on his shoulder,” the statement said. Sommer cursed at Martin again as she turned and walked away, shouting, “You are a disgusting man. … My name is Emily Gabriella Sommer, and you are served.”
Multiple federal law enforcement officers responded to the incident involving the spitting assault on interim US Attorney for DC Ed Martin. The woman also identified herself with a full name, as she stormed off with her dog. https://t.co/RdnANaNufw
— Alana Austin (@alana_austin) May 9, 2025
Suspect Boasts About Actions
In a brazen move following the incident, Sommer took to social media to claim responsibility for her actions. She directly replied to posts on Martin’s own social media accounts, leaving no doubt about her involvement or intentions. “ED, that was me that spit in your face today … that absolutely definitely spit in your face on camera. Hi, hello,” her posts read.
Martin described the confrontation as an “ugly scene” in a follow-up interview with Newsmax. He also noted he was “proud he had his overcoat on” when the incident occurred, suggesting the garment may have protected him from direct contact with the bodily fluid.
Federal authorities have charged Sommer with one count of assaulting, resisting, or impeding a government official – a serious charge that could result in significant legal consequences if she is convicted.
Political Background and Tensions
Ed Martin was originally appointed as interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia by President Donald Trump but faced barriers to Senate confirmation. His appointment became controversial when several Republican senators, including Thom Tillis, opposed his confirmation due to disagreements over the prosecution of individuals involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.
Despite the confirmation setback, Martin has continued his career trajectory within the Department of Justice. On May 13, he announced his appointment by Trump to a dual role as “pardon attorney” and director of the Weaponization Working Group. This appointment comes amid ongoing national debates about justice department priorities and prosecutorial discretion, particularly regarding politically sensitive cases.
