A father who coordinated an assault on a conservative journalist at an anti-ICE protest now claims the overwhelming public backlash has him reconsidering his citizenship—after video evidence showed him planning the attack with his daughter in advance.
Caught Planning The Attack On Camera
Chris Ostroushko and his daughter Paige were captured on multiple videos both executing and orchestrating the April 10 assault on Savanah Hernandez, a Turning Point USA reporter covering left-wing demonstrators protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Minneapolis. Footage reveals Chris instructing Paige to retrieve a whistle from their vehicle and blow it directly in Hernandez’s ear. The coordinated harassment escalated to physical shoving and hitting, ultimately leaving the journalist with a concussion requiring medical attention.
Backlash Forces Second Thoughts About America
In a video statement posted Monday, Ostroushko complained about receiving hundreds of daily phone calls, text messages, and social media contact attempts targeting him, his family, neighbors, and friends. He expressed shock that relatives uninvolved in the incident faced consequences, stating the response makes him question living in America. The father claimed he had never experienced such reactions in his life, despite video evidence showing premeditated coordination of an assault on a working journalist exercising First Amendment rights at a public demonstration.
Federal Investigation Underway, No Charges Filed
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon announced April 12 that federal authorities were investigating the incident. Paige Ostroushko, identified as a University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point soccer player, reportedly bragged about remaining free without arrest. As of Monday, the Hennepin County District Attorney’s office had issued no statement regarding potential charges against the family. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security investigations remain ongoing, with all parties still walking free despite clear video documentation of the planned assault.
Local Prosecutor’s Controversial Record
The lack of charges comes as Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty faces scrutiny for charging an ICE agent with assault during Operation Metro Surge while apparently declining to prosecute the Ostroushkos despite extensive video evidence. Moriarty also announced plans to file charges in separate fatal shootings involving ICE operations. The contrasting treatment of law enforcement officers versus alleged protesters has raised questions about prosecutorial priorities and equal application of justice in a county where political affiliations appear to influence charging decisions more than evidence.
