Full Breakdown
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Ostroushko Family for Assault on Turning Point USA Reporter
4/30/2026, 11:30:47 PM
Indictments for Assault at Anti-ICE Protest
On April 11 2026, Savannah (Savanah) Hernandez, a Turning Point USA reporter, was filming an anti-ICE rally outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in St. Paul/Minneapolis when she was surrounded, pushed, and knocked to the ground. A federal grand jury indicted Christopher, Deyanna, and Paige Ostroushko on one count of assault each; Christopher and Paige also face a count of interference with a federally protected activity. The indictment cites the assault on federal property. Hernandez reported a concussion, neck and back soreness, a sprained knee, broken glasses, and leg scrapes.
Key Figures & Charges
The indicted individuals are Christopher Ostroushko, Deyanna Ostroushko, and Paige Ostroushko. Other parties include reporter Savannah Hernandez, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty.
Official Statements & Responses
Acting Attorney General Blanche said the conduct was “not peaceful protest” and warned such actions “will not be tolerated.” U.S. Attorney Rosen called political violence a “national scourge.” FBI Director Patel said agency “immediately engaged” after the video surfaced and that the investigation led to the charges. Hennepin County Attorney Moriarty confirmed the fifth-degree assault charge against Christopher and noted insufficient evidence to charge three other arrested individuals.
Criticism & Opposition
The Ostroushko family, represented by attorney James Cook, says they are “absolutely not violent” and have faced “relentless harassment, doxxing, and death threats” since the indictment. They argue the videos do not show the full context and plan a vigorous defense.
On-the-Ground Reports
Videos show protesters shouting, blowing whistles, and physically confronting Hernandez. Bystanders urged de-escalation, and a sheriff’s deputy eventually escorted her to a police vehicle. The footage records her repeatedly demanding to be left alone.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Early reports said only two individuals would be charged; the indictment later confirmed all three family members. State prosecutors declined to charge three other arrested participants, citing insufficient evidence. Sources differ on whether the Ostroushkos initiated the assault or responded to provocation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Todd Blanche, Acting Attorney General
- “When video of individuals assaulting Savanah Hernandez surfaced, this FBI immediately engaged and led the investigation — today landing federal charges supported by our great partners at DOJ.” — Kash Patel, FBI Director
- “We are absolutely not violent people. In fact, we tend to shy away from it,” — Christopher Ostroushko
- “Mr. Ostroushko forcefully shoved the victim in the back, head first to the ground. After a thorough review of the available evidence, the fifth-degree assault charge was determined to be appropriate and was filed Wednesday, April 29.” — Hennepin County Attorney’s Office
What’s Next
The defendants are scheduled to appear before a federal judge on May 12 2026. Additional state proceedings may follow, and the DOJ has indicated continued monitoring of political violence at public demonstrations.
