Three members of a Minnesota family have been indicted on federal charges for allegedly assaulting a journalist from the conservative outlet Turning Point USA during a protest against immigration enforcement operations.
Christopher Ostroushko, his wife DeYanna, and their daughter Paige were each charged with one count of assault by a federal grand jury. The indictment, unsealed on Wednesday, also charges Christopher and Paige with interfering with a federally protected activity. Christopher faces an additional state charge of misdemeanor assault, according to the Hennepin County Attorney's Office.
The incident occurred on April 11 outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Fort Snelling, which has been used as a short-term holding facility by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Video footage shows Paige Ostroushko blowing a whistle near the face of Turning Point USA contributor Savanah Hernandez, followed by a physical altercation. Christopher Ostroushko is accused of shoving Hernandez to the ground, causing injuries including a concussion, scraped legs, and broken glasses.
Attorneys for the Ostroushkos stated they will mount a strong defence, noting that an indictment does not equate to a conviction. Family lawyer James Cook said the videos do not show the full context and that the family has faced online threats, with DeYanna and Christopher losing their jobs. The Ostroushkos are scheduled to appear before a federal judge on May 12.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche condemned the assault, stating that the Department of Justice will punish acts of political violence. Hernandez expressed gratitude for the justice system's response.
