Three Family Members Indicted for Assaulting Journalist at Protest
Three family members are facing serious legal repercussions following an alleged assault on a journalist from Turning Point USA during a protest against immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
Christopher Ostroushko, his wife DeYanna, and their daughter Paige have been indicted by a federal grand jury, each charged with one count of assault. The indictment, which was made public on Wednesday, also includes charges against Christopher and Paige for interfering with a federally protected activity.
In addition to federal charges, Christopher Ostroushko is contending with state-level misdemeanor assault charges, as confirmed by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
The Ostroushkos' legal representatives assert that they will vigorously defend their clients, highlighting that an indictment does not equate to a conviction.
Protests against immigration enforcement have persisted in the Twin Cities, particularly following a reduction in federal officers' presence. The Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building at Fort Snelling has become a focal point for anti-ICE demonstrations.
Footage captured by Turning Point USA contributor Savanah Hernandez on April 11 shows Paige blowing a whistle near Hernandez's face. Other angles reveal Hernandez attempting to shield herself while pushing back against Paige, leading to a physical altercation.
“Get away from me,” Hernandez can be heard saying.
Paige then pushes Hernandez, causing her to stumble against a fence.
Following this, both DeYanna and Christopher confront Hernandez separately, with Paige re-engaging as well.
According to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, Christopher “forcefully shoved the victim in the back, head first to the ground.” The office noted that there was insufficient evidence to pursue state charges against the other family members involved.
Throughout the incident, bystanders attempted to de-escalate the situation and separate those involved.
After the altercation, Hernandez reported injuries including broken glasses, a concussion, and scrapes on her legs, sharing her experience on social media. She indicated that she was in discussions with law enforcement about filing charges.
James Cook, the attorney representing the Ostroushkos, contends that the circulating videos do not capture the full context of the incident and believes they will present a compelling defense.
“There are many elements in the videos that could lead to exoneration,” he stated.
The family had been regular participants in protests at the Whipple building, aiming to voice their opposition to what they termed “Metro Surge.” Cook mentioned that since the incident, the Ostroushkos have faced online threats and have lost their jobs.
“They wish they could turn back the clock,” Cook remarked. “They regret how things unfolded.”
The Ostroushkos are scheduled to appear before a federal judge on May 12.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized that the Department of Justice is committed to addressing “unhinged acts of political violence.”
“Hernandez was allegedly surrounded, physically assaulted, and shoved to the ground — simply because she was identified by the defendants as a conservative journalist,” Blanche stated. “That is NOT ‘peaceful protest.’”
Hernandez expressed gratitude for the judicial process in a social media post but did not respond immediately to requests for further comment via email or direct message.
