A federal grand jury has indicted three suspects in connection with the alleged assault of Turning Point USA reporter Savanah Hernandez during an April protest outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Minneapolis, according to federal sources.
The suspects were identified Wednesday as Christopher, Deyanna, and Paige Ostrouchko. Federal sources said the indictments were handed down Tuesday.
The case stems from a chaotic confrontation outside the Whipple Federal Building on April 11, where protesters had gathered near a local ICE field office that also functions as a detention facility. What began as a protest quickly turned into a tense and disturbing scene, according to video from the incident.
Hernandez, a TPUSA Frontlines reporter, was seen surrounded by protesters as she tried to move away from the crowd.
Federal Officials Announce Charges
FBI Director Kash Patel said federal investigators moved quickly after video of the confrontation surfaced.
“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.”
Patel also warned that similar conduct would not be ignored.
“Conduct like this is completely unacceptable, and we are thankful Savanah is ok. Let this be a message to others who may try something similar that this FBI will find you and bring you to justice,” he concluded.
Initially, reports suggested that only two of the three suspects would face charges. However, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche later announced that all three had been indicted and would face charges.
Video Shows Reporter Surrounded By Protesters
The video appears to show protesters crowding around Hernandez while blowing horns near her face, yelling obscenities, and waving adult novelty products in front of her. Hernandez can be seen trying to shield herself and get away from the confrontation.
At one point, she appears to move away from the group and says, “get away from me” to a protester who remained close to her.
Moments later, the protester pushed Hernandez, causing her to fall against a wired fence, according to the video.
The situation did not appear to calm down. Instead, protesters continued to confront Hernandez as she attempted to leave the area.
Hernandez Heard Pleading With Crowd
As the confrontation continued, Hernandez could be heard yelling, “Stop touching me!”
Then, an unidentified man appeared to push her forward onto the concrete. The video shows Hernandez trying to get back up and leave, but protesters continued pushing her.
She was pushed to the ground again as the crowd pressed around her.
“Leave me, I am trying to leave!” Hernandez shouted at one point.
The footage also shows other people at the scene claiming they tried to help Hernandez escape the group. Some said they stopped people from hitting her during the confrontation.
Protest Outside ICE Facility Turned Chaotic
The incident unfolded during a protest tied to ICE operations at the Whipple Federal Building. The building houses a local ICE field office and also serves as a detention facility.
The protest drew intense emotions, but federal officials say the alleged conduct toward Hernandez crossed a legal line.
Now, with all three suspects indicted, the case moves into the federal court system. The indictments mark a major development in an incident that drew national attention because it involved a reporter covering a public protest.
For Hernandez, the video showed a frightening scene. For prosecutors, the case now centers on accountability, public safety, and whether protesters went beyond protected speech into criminal conduct.
