Man Accused of Attacking Journalist Convicted of Unemployment Fraud

Chris Ostroushko, who allegedly shoved a conservative reporter, was found guilty of defrauding Minnesota's unemployment program over 20 years ago.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:08pm

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An extreme close-up of a cracked and damaged car sensor, lit by a harsh direct flash against a dark background, conceptually representing the vandalism of self-driving vehicles during protests.A damaged car sensor lens reflects a faint red light, symbolizing the escalating tensions over autonomous vehicle technology.Minneapolis Today

A man who was arrested after being caught on video shoving a conservative journalist to the ground at an anti-ICE riot was found guilty of defrauding Minnesota's unemployment program of almost $7,000 more than 20 years ago, court documents show. Savanah Hernandez, a reporter for Turning Point USA's 'Frontlines,' maintains that Chris Ostroushko along with his wife DeYanna and daughter Paige, attacked her while she was filming the demonstration against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) outside a federal building in Minneapolis.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex history and potential motivations behind the alleged assault on the journalist, as well as the broader tensions surrounding immigration enforcement protests in Minneapolis.

The details

In 2005, Ostroushko was convicted after it was found that he had received thousands of dollars in unemployment benefits when he was actually employed. Ostroushko, who was in his late 20s at the time, ultimately received a stay of execution on his sentencing and was discharged from probation after less than two years.

  • In 2002, Ostroushko applied for and received unemployment benefits while working for Becker Carpet Service.
  • Ostroushko received $6,905 in unemployment benefits he was not entitled to from January to July 2003.
  • Ostroushko was convicted of unemployment fraud in 2005.
  • Ostroushko was arrested on April 13, 2026 for allegedly shoving reporter Savanah Hernandez.

The players

Chris Ostroushko

A 51-year-old Minneapolis resident who was convicted of defrauding the Minnesota unemployment program in the early 2000s and was recently arrested for allegedly shoving a conservative journalist during an anti-ICE protest.

Savanah Hernandez

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

DeYanna Ostroushko

The wife of Chris Ostroushko, who was allegedly involved in the incident with Hernandez.

Paige Ostroushko

The daughter of Chris Ostroushko, who was allegedly involved in the incident with Hernandez.

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What they’re saying

“Apparently Chris Ostroushko is also a Minneapolis FRAUDSTER and was convicted of defrauding the state unemployment program back in the early 2000s.”

— Savanah Hernandez, Reporter, Turning Point USA

“I'm waking up with a headache and stiff neck this morning due to how violently anti-ICE activist, Chris Ostroushko, shoved me down yesterday. A second angle shows that he had to be held back by 5 men as he continued to charge at me.”

— Savanah Hernandez, Reporter, Turning Point USA

What’s next

The Hennepin County Attorney's office is reviewing the case and will determine if charges will be filed against Ostroushko, his wife, and daughter.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the complex histories and motivations that can underlie public protests and confrontations, as well as the need for de-escalation and accountability on all sides.