Minnesota Family Denies Violent Actions at Anti-ICE Protest

Father claims he was defending his family, while reporter disputes their account of the incident

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:53pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a whistle against a stark black background, the harsh flash illuminating the textured metal surface and creating dramatic shadows, conceptually representing the confrontational nature of the incident without depicting any actual violence.A tense confrontation over free speech and protest rights leaves both sides claiming self-defense.Minnesota City Today

A Minnesota father, Chris Ostroushko, claims he was defending his wife and daughter during an altercation with conservative reporter Savanah Hernandez at an anti-ICE protest. Hernandez says the Ostroushko family were the aggressors, while the family insists they are 'absolutely not violent people' and were trying to deescalate the situation. The incident remains under investigation by authorities.

Why it matters

The clash between the Ostroushko family and the reporter highlights the tensions and confrontations that can arise at politically charged protests. It raises questions about the use of force, the rights of journalists to cover events, and how to de-escalate volatile situations.

The details

Video footage shows an altercation between the Ostroushko family and TPUSA reporter Savanah Hernandez at an anti-ICE protest in Minnesota. Hernandez claims the family, including Chris Ostroushko, his wife DeYanna, and their daughter Paige, were the aggressors, shoving and assaulting her. The family disputes this, saying Hernandez instigated the clash and that they were defending themselves. Hernandez says she sought medical treatment for a concussion and sprains after the incident.

  • The incident occurred on April 11, 2026 outside the Whipple building in Minnesota.
  • On April 16, 2026, Chris Ostroushko gave his first interview about the incident to podcast host Brian Shapiro.

The players

Chris Ostroushko

A Minnesota father who was involved in the altercation with reporter Savanah Hernandez at an anti-ICE protest. He claims his family was defending themselves and is 'absolutely not violent'.

Savanah Hernandez

A conservative reporter for Turning Point USA who was covering the anti-ICE protest. She disputes the Ostroushko family's account, saying they were the aggressors and that she was assaulted.

DeYanna Ostroushko

The wife of Chris Ostroushko who was also involved in the altercation. She claims Hernandez instigated the clash and that the family was trying to deescalate the situation.

Paige Ostroushko

The daughter of Chris and DeYanna Ostroushko who was present during the incident. She is accused of assaulting Hernandez.

Trisha Pohland

One of the Ostroushko family's attorneys who backed their version of events on a podcast.

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What they’re saying

“We are absolutely not violent people. In fact, we tend to shy away from it.”

— Chris Ostroushko, Minnesota Father

“I wasn't violent at all. I was trying to protect my daughter while at the same time trying to deescalate the situation.”

— DeYanna Ostroushko, Mother

“Based off what I've seen, she went and hit Paige in the face when Paige was blowing a whistle... which she has every right to do and Savanah was the one that hit her.”

— Trisha Pohland, Ostroushko Family Attorney

“Yeah, I went and I sought medical attention and they did tell me that I do have a concussion and multiple sprains.”

— Savanah Hernandez

“We're getting death threats, they're threatening to rape my wife, threatening to rape Paige... They're threatening to come to our house and burn our house down...”

— Chris Ostroushko, Minnesota Father

What’s next

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office is currently reviewing the case submissions from the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office to determine if any charges will be filed against the Ostroushko family members.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the volatile nature of politically charged protests and the need for all parties involved, including protesters, journalists, and law enforcement, to exercise restraint and de-escalate confrontations to prevent further violence or harm. The ongoing investigation will determine if any criminal charges are warranted.