Three Charged in Assault of Turning Point USA Journalist During Anti-ICE Protest
St. Paul, MN – Three individuals have been federally indicted on charges related to the assault of a Turning Point USA journalist during an anti-ICE protest on April 11, 2026, in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the indictment of Christopher Ostroushko, Deyanna Ostroushko, and Paige Ostroushko on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Details of the Assault
According to the DOJ, the three individuals allegedly assaulted Savannah Hernandez, a journalist and contributor to Turning Point USA, whereas she was reporting on the protest outside a federal building. Christopher and Paige Ostroushko are additionally charged with willfully and forcefully injuring and intimidating Hernandez. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that Hernandez was “surrounded, physically assaulted, and shoved to the ground — simply as she was identified by the defendants as a conservative journalist.”
Official Statements
“These three individuals were indicted by a grand jury for allegedly assaulting journalist and Turning Point USA contributor Savannah Hernandez,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “That is NOT ‘peaceful protest.’ These deplorable actions as charged in the indictment will not be tolerated in America, and this Department of Justice will always punish unhinged acts of political violence.”
United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen for the District of Minnesota added, “Political violence is a national scourge, and federal law enforcement will not tolerate it.”
Additional Charges and Investigation
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office (HCAO) has charged Christopher Ostroushko, 51, with one count of fifth-degree assault for forcefully shoving Hernandez to the ground. KSTP reported that Hernandez recorded the encounter, which showed protesters surrounding her, shoving her, yelling, and whistling in her ear.
Ongoing Investigation and Presumption of Innocence
The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office are jointly investigating the case. An indictment represents an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.