A woman who spit on a former Trump-appointed U.S. prosecutor during a courthouse interview now faces federal charges after bragging about it online.
At a Glance
- Emily Gabriella Sommer was arrested for allegedly spitting on Ed Martin outside a D.C. courthouse
- Sommer reportedly identified herself before launching the assault
- Her social media posts led directly to her identification and arrest
- She faces federal charges of assaulting a government official
- Martin had recently drawn attention due to his January 6 associations
A Public Assault—and an Online Confession
Federal authorities have charged 32-year-old Emily Gabriella Sommer with assaulting a federal official after she allegedly spit on Ed Martin, a former U.S. Attorney and Trump DOJ appointee, during a recorded interview near the U.S. District Court for D.C. The incident occurred Thursday as Martin stood outside the courthouse giving remarks. According to a Department of Justice report, Sommer approached Martin, confirmed his identity, and then spit directly onto his shoulder.
The encounter was not only confrontational but premeditated, prosecutors argue. Witness accounts and official documents state that Sommer shouted profanity, called Martin “a disgusting man,” and declared, “You are served,” before walking away down D Street Northwest.
Boasts, Blunders, and Charges
What could have remained an anonymous act quickly escalated once Sommer took to social media to claim credit. Using the X account handle @EmilyGabriellaS and the display name “Lefttits,” she posted a message directly on Martin’s account: “ED, that was me that spit in your face today in front of USDC for D.C. Courthouse.” This boast, along with her self-identification at the scene, provided investigators with a direct line to pursue charges.
Watch a report: DOJ Official Assaulted Outside Court.
Sommer has been charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding a government official—a federal offense that carries serious consequences. Though spitting alone is not commonly prosecuted unless aggravating factors are present, authorities noted the public nature of the assault and the political climate as contributing factors in pursuing charges.
Tensions and Background
Martin, now serving as the U.S. pardon attorney and associate deputy attorney general, had resigned from his earlier post amid scrutiny related to his actions surrounding the January 6 Capitol riot. Appointed under the Trump administration, his confirmation to permanent office became politically fraught, making him a visible and controversial figure in ongoing debates over political accountability and justice reform.
Despite the assault, Martin appeared to dismiss the incident with humor, later referencing the event by saying, “Among the many reasons that I wear that great coat.”
This latest incident underscores the volatile intersection of protest, politics, and social media—where even impulsive acts can carry federal consequences.
