Federal Indictment in Assault Case Involving Journalist
The Ministry of Justice has announced a federal indictment against three individuals charged with assaulting Turning Point USA reporter Savana Hernandez, which occurred during an anti-ICE protest in Minnesota.
On April 11, in an incident that has generated significant attention, Minnesota resident Paige Ostroshko was reportedly seen blowing a whistle near Hernandez’s ear before pushing him to the ground.
Hernandez took the stand, stating, “This incident is not just about me; it’s about every journalist who has been attacked while doing their job.”
After the testimony, Paige’s mother, Deyanna Ostroshko, confronted reporters, claiming that Hernandez had instigated the confrontation. In a heated moment caught on video, she yelled at Hernandez, “Did you hit my daughter?”
In the video footage, Hernandez seemed to push Deyanna away while trying to distance himself from the crowd. He shouted, “Stop touching me!”
Following the incident, Chris Ostroshko, Paige’s father, reportedly intervened, pushing Hernandez and causing him to fall onto the sidewalk. The situation escalated as Paige chased Hernandez, leading to a brief altercation.
On Wednesday, the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota unsealed a four-count federal indictment charging the Ostroshko family. The victim’s name remains undisclosed in the case.
The indictment specified that Chris and Paige Ostroshko “willfully harmed, threatened, or interfered” with Hernandez’s rights, using force or threats. All three family members face charges of aiding and abetting the assault.
After the altercation, Hernandez sought medical attention and was diagnosed with a concussion and multiple sprains. Expressing appreciation for the FBI and Department of Justice’s prompt response, he stated, “This case aims to set a significant precedent for all Americans, signaling that violent attacks on journalists will not be tolerated.”
According to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Hernandez was targeted merely for being identified as a conservative journalist at the protest. Blanche remarked, “This was not a peaceful protest. Such actions, as noted in the indictment, are unacceptable in America.”
In a recent interview, Kris Ostroshko, Paige’s father, expressed his disbelief at the backlash their family faced following the viral video of the incident. Reflecting on their situation, he said, “Honestly, all this is a bit overwhelming and makes me rethink living in this country.” He maintains that Hernandez was the aggressor, as he was attempting to protect his family.
The Ostroshko family has reported losing their jobs and facing threats after their identities were revealed. In response, Paige started a GoFundMe campaign, seeking $12,000 for alleged emotional distress, claiming she sustained injuries in the event. As of Wednesday afternoon, she had raised $900. Another fundraising page for the family aims to collect $8,000, with $310 raised so far.
