A Minnesota man accused of assaulting a reporter during a protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) says he is facing intense public pressure and is considering whether to continue living in the United States.
The man, Chris Ostroushko, stated that his family has received hundreds of calls, messages, and social media reactions every day since the video went viral.
The incident occurred on April 11 while reporter Savanah Hernandez—of the conservative organization Turning Point USA—was working at the ICE protest outside the Whipple building.
According to the reporter, she was surrounded by a group of people after they recognized her affiliation with the organization. She stated that protesters blew whistles directly in her face and applied pressure.
Video footage shows Chris Ostroushko approaching from behind and pushing the reporter to the ground.
Ostroushko's family, including his wife and daughter, also appear in the video. He claims his actions were intended to protect his family and described the reporter as the instigator of the incident.
The family said they were doxxed online, faced criticism, and lost their jobs after the video went viral. They also claimed their daughter sustained a neck injury during the police intervention.
The reporter stated she sought medical attention and was diagnosed with a concussion along with several soft tissue injuries.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has opened an investigation into the incident.
The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office stated that the case is still under investigation and has recommended charges against Chris Ostroushko and his daughter for the assault on the reporter, occurring while Minnesota faces various complex legal issues. A formal decision on the charges has not yet been announced.
The Ostroushko family has set up a fundraising page with a goal of $8,000 to assist with expenses.
