DOJ Signals Probe Into Assault of Conservative Journalist Filming Anti-ICE Riot

Authorities say three people will be charged in connection with the attack on Turning Point USA's Savanah Hernandez.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:22pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a cracked camera lens or broken camera equipment, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the violence faced by journalists covering anti-ICE protests.The DOJ's investigation into the assault on a conservative journalist filming an anti-ICE protest in Minneapolis exposes the dangers faced by the press covering such volatile events.Minneapolis Today

The U.S. Department of Justice has signaled it is investigating an apparent assault on Turning Point USA reporter Savanah Hernandez while she was filming an anti-ICE protest in Minneapolis. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet K. Dhillon said the DOJ is 'on it' after Hernandez accused a man charged in a previous church storming incident of inciting the attack. Hernandez reported suffering a headache and stiff neck following the incident.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between conservative journalists and anti-ICE activists in Minneapolis, where several other reporters have also been assaulted while covering similar protests. The DOJ's involvement signals the potential seriousness of the alleged crime and the government's commitment to protecting press freedoms.

The details

According to reports, Hernandez was filming the anti-ICE protest when she was apparently attacked by members of the mob. She later identified one of the assailants as William Scott Kelly, who was previously indicted on charges related to the storming of a St. Paul-area church. Hernandez accused Kelly of 'inciting' the protesters to attack her. The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office has said it will charge three people in connection with the assault on Hernandez.

  • On April 12, 2026, Hernandez posted videos of the apparent attack on social media.
  • On the same day, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon responded to Hernandez's post, saying the DOJ was 'on it'.
  • On April 13, 2026, Hernandez reported that the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office would be charging three people in connection with the assault.

The players

Savanah Hernandez

A reporter for Turning Point USA's 'Frontlines' who was allegedly assaulted while filming an anti-ICE protest in Minneapolis.

Harmeet K. Dhillon

The Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice, who signaled the agency was investigating the alleged assault on Hernandez.

William Scott Kelly

A man previously charged in connection with the storming of a St. Paul-area church, whom Hernandez accused of inciting the attack against her.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“On it.”

— Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Justice

What’s next

The Justice Department and local authorities will continue their investigation into the assault on Savanah Hernandez, with charges expected against at least three individuals.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between conservative journalists and anti-ICE activists in Minneapolis, where several reporters have been assaulted while covering similar protests. The DOJ's involvement signals the potential seriousness of the alleged crime and the government's commitment to protecting press freedoms.