Turning Point USA Journalist Assaulted at Anti-ICE Protest in Minnesota

Video shows reporter Savanah Hernandez being punched, shoved to the ground by protesters

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:33pm

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A dynamic, fragmented painting depicting a journalist being assaulted by a group of protesters, with overlapping geometric shapes and bold, clashing colors conveying the chaos and violence of the incident.A violent confrontation between a journalist and protesters exposes the growing risks and hostility faced by the media when covering politically charged events.Minneapolis Today

A female Turning Point USA journalist was repeatedly tackled to the pavement by violent protesters during an anti-ICE rally in Minnesota over the weekend, according to authorities and video footage. Reporter Savanah Hernandez said she was identified by a 'left-winger' and then a mob started forming around her, with one protester blowing a whistle in her face and another punching her, knocking her to the ground. Hernandez was eventually driven away by a police officer after several protesters assaulted her.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the growing tensions and risks journalists face when covering politically charged protests, especially those involving controversial organizations like Turning Point USA. It raises concerns about the safety of reporters and the ability of the media to freely cover events without fear of violence.

The details

According to the report, Hernandez was at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building outside Minneapolis to film the protest activity. She said she was untouched for nearly an hour, until a protester identified her as being with Turning Point USA. A female protester then began aggressively questioning and shoving Hernandez, calling her a 'Nazi' and 'fascist'. Another protester started blowing a whistle in Hernandez's face, prompting her to try and walk away. That's when the violence escalated, with the whistle-blowing protester punching Hernandez and knocking her to the ground. As Hernandez tried to leave, another protester shoved her to the ground, and the original attacker jumped on top of her. Hernandez sustained injuries including neck pain, a sprained knee, and numerous bruises.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, April 12, 2026 during an anti-ICE protest in Minnesota.

The players

Savanah Hernandez

A 29-year-old reporter for the conservative nonprofit Turning Point USA, who was assaulted by protesters while covering the anti-ICE rally.

Paige Ostroushko

A 20-year-old protester who was arrested in connection with the assault on Hernandez.

Lorenzo Amadeo Garcia

A 20-year-old protester who was arrested in connection with the assault on Hernandez.

Christopher Ostroushko

A protester whose age was not immediately clear, who was arrested in connection with the assault on Hernandez.

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What they’re saying

“I was there for almost an hour, untouched, and then one of the left-wingers identified me and a mob started forming.”

— Savanah Hernandez, Turning Point USA reporter

“I very much realized then that they were not going to leave me alone, so I started walking out of the protest and, of course, they all followed me. And this girl is right in my ear, blowing this whistle.”

— Savanah Hernandez, Turning Point USA reporter

“I am going to do everything in my power to make sure that justice is served for this case – not only for myself, but for every single journalist who has endured this, because this has been the norm for far too long.”

— Savanah Hernandez, Turning Point USA reporter

What’s next

The case has been submitted to the district attorney's office, and the FBI says it is aware of the incident but is not releasing additional details out of respect for the ongoing investigation.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the growing risks and challenges journalists face when covering politically charged protests, especially those involving controversial organizations. It highlights the need for greater protections and support for reporters covering these volatile situations to ensure they can safely and freely do their jobs.