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

Federal officials vow to investigate attack on Turning Point USA reporter in Minneapolis

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:21pm

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An extreme close-up of a cracked and damaged camera lens reflecting a faint red light, conceptually illustrating the violence faced by journalists covering politically charged protests.The brutal assault on a conservative journalist filming an anti-ICE protest in Minneapolis exposes the dangers faced by media members covering politically divisive demonstrations.Minneapolis Today

The U.S. Department of Justice has signaled it is investigating the apparent assault of a conservative journalist who was filming an anti-ICE protest in Minneapolis. Turning Point USA reporter Savanah Hernandez was allegedly attacked by protesters, leading to a response from a top DOJ civil rights official who said the agency was 'on it' to address the incident.

Why it matters

The attack on Hernandez is the latest in a series of incidents where conservative journalists have faced violence while covering anti-ICE protests in Minneapolis. The DOJ's involvement signals the federal government's concern over the targeting of media members during these demonstrations.

The details

Hernandez posted videos showing herself being assaulted by protesters opposed to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minneapolis. She later reported that the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office was charging three people in connection with the attack, which left her with a headache and stiff neck. Other conservative journalists, including from the Daily Caller News Foundation, have also been assaulted while covering similar anti-ICE riots in the city.

  • On April 12, 2026, Hernandez posted videos of the apparent assault.
  • On the same day, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet K. Dhillon responded to Hernandez's post, saying the DOJ was 'on it'.
  • Hernandez reported the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office was charging three people related to the attack on April 13, 2026.

The players

Savanah Hernandez

A reporter for the conservative news outlet Turning Point USA 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 attack on Hernandez.

William Scott Kelly

A man charged in connection with the storming of a St. Paul-area church, whom Hernandez accused of 'inciting' the anti-ICE protesters to attack her.

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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 Hennepin County authorities are expected to continue their investigations into the assault on Savanah Hernandez and any charges against the alleged perpetrators.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and risks faced by journalists covering politically charged protests, especially those with opposing ideological views. The DOJ's involvement signals the federal government's concern over the targeting of media members during these demonstrations.