Full Breakdown
Assault at Fort Snelling ICE Holding Facility
4/30/2026, 6:50:58 AM
Assault at Fort Snelling ICE Holding Facility
On April 11, 2026, three members of the Ostroushko family—father Christopher, mother DeYanna, and daughter Paige—confronted Turning Point USA reporter Savanah Hernandez outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Fort Snelling, Minnesota, during an anti-ICE rally. Video shows Hernandez being pushed, shoved to the ground, and sustaining injuries. A federal grand jury later indicted each family member on one count of assault; Christopher and Paige also faced a count of interfering with a federally protected activity, and Christopher received an additional state charge of fifth-degree misdemeanor assault.
Context of the Protest
The Bishop Henry Whipple building has been used as a short-term ICE holding facility, making it a focal point for anti-ICE demonstrations in the Twin Cities. Protesters have gathered there regularly since the Trump administration’s immigration policies intensified, and federal officers’ presence was reduced in recent weeks.
Timeline & Charges
- April 11, 2026: Video records confrontation at Whipple building.
- April 29, 2026: Federal indictment announced; Christopher also charged with state misdemeanor assault.
- May 12, 2026: Family scheduled for federal court appearance.
Official Responses
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche described the assault as “unhinged acts of political violence” and said the Justice Department will punish such conduct. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty stressed the county’s duty to protect peaceful protest while condemning violence. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the FBI led the investigation and expressed relief that Hernandez was unharmed. Family attorney James Cook noted that video evidence may exonerate his clients and that a vigorous defense will be pursued.
Opposition & Family Defense
The Ostroushkos’ lawyer argues that the circulating videos do not show the full context and suggests the family acted in self-defense. The family reports online threats and job loss for DeYanna and Christopher, and expresses regret over the incident. Their public statements assert they are “absolutely not violent.”
Conflicting Injury Reports
Sources differ on Hernandez’s injuries: one account lists broken glasses, concussion, sore neck and back, and scraped legs; another mentions a concussion, sprained knee, neck pain, and emotional damage; a third adds numerous bruises.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Get away from me.” — Savanah Hernandez, Turning Point USA reporter
- “Don’t f–king touch my daughter!” — Christopher Ostroushko, father
- “We are absolutely not violent people. In fact, we tend to shy away from it,” — Christopher Ostroushko
- “We are committed to protecting the right to protest across the entire county, including at Whipple, but violent conduct is unacceptable,” — Mary Moriarty, Hennepin County Attorney
Next Legal Step
The Ostroushkos are scheduled to appear before a federal judge on May 12, where the indictment will be addressed.
