A couple from Minnesota, along with their daughter, faces federal charges for allegedly assaulting a Turning Point USA reporter during a protest against ICE earlier this month.
The individuals involved are Christopher Ostroshko, 51, his wife Deyanna Ostroshko, 46, and their 20-year-old daughter Paige. They were charged after an incident involving reporter Savana Hernandez outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Fort Snelling, as announced by the U.S. Department of Justice on Wednesday.
Video footage from the April 11 protest shows Christopher Ostroshko forcefully pushing Hernandez to the ground while shouting, “Don’t touch my daughter!” This occurred after another protester had already struck Hernandez, causing her to fall into a fence.
Hernandez had previously shared that she was filming protests when she was recognized by a group that took issue with her conservative affiliations.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated, “Ms. Hernandez was allegedly surrounded, physically assaulted, and forced to the ground simply because she was identified by the defendants as a conservative journalist.” He emphasized that such acts of violence against journalists will not be tolerated.
The indictment outlines that both Christopher and Paige Ostroshko face charges for obstruction of federal protection and assault, while Deyanna is charged only with assault.
Following the incident, Hernandez reported suffering a concussion, neck pain, and a sprained knee, as well as emotional distress resulting from the attack.
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office also indicated that Christopher Ostroshko was charged with fifth-degree assault for his actions that day. Initially, four people were arrested during the confrontation, but charges against three others were not pursued due to a lack of evidence.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty noted, “This is the second fifth-degree assault charge stemming from a confrontation at Fort Snelling this year.” She reiterated the commitment to supporting the right to protest while condemning violence.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the indictment and stated that the FBI had promptly initiated an investigation into Hernandez’s assault, stating, “Most of all, I’m grateful that @Savsays is safe.” He warned that the FBI would take action against such behavior.
Christopher Ostroshko previously gained attention for his outspoken interviews, and he, alongside his family, has claimed they face ongoing backlash. They maintain that they are not violent people and often avoid confrontation.
Paige Ostroshko claimed that the altercation escalated after Hernandez allegedly made light of sexual assault related to ICE. She described her actions as self-defense in response to feeling threatened.
All three family members are scheduled for a court appearance on May 12.
In reaction to the indictment, Hernandez expressed gratitude for the efforts of the Justice Department and FBI, stating that she was pleased to see the justice system at work.
