FOX 6 Investigates: Assault on Turning Point USA Journalist During Anti-ICE Rally
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Federal authorities have confirmed the FBI is investigating the assault of a Turning Point USA journalist by protesters outside the Whipple Building on Saturday during an anti-ICE rally. This incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the safety of journalists covering potentially volatile events.
What We Know So Far
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation into the incident that occurred outside the Whipple federal building on Saturday. Authorities have stated that four individuals will be facing charges in connection with the protest. Three of these charges relate directly to the assault on the journalist and a deputy, while the fourth individual is accused of gross misdemeanor obstruction with force against a deputy.
Local Context
The Whipple Building is home to Minnesota’s local ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) field office, as well as an ICE detention facility. This location has been a frequent site of protests and demonstrations related to immigration policy. The presence of ICE facilities often draws strong reactions from both supporters and opponents of immigration enforcement.
The Incident Unfolds
Videos posted by Savanah Hernandez, a contributor with Turning Point USA – a conservative advocacy group founded by Charlie Kirk – document the attack. Initially, the videos show protesters verbally confronting Hernandez, yelling, making noise, and using whistles. However, the situation quickly escalated to physical violence. Footage shows a woman striking Hernandez, knocking her to the ground. While some bystanders attempted to de-escalate the situation, a man then shoved Hernandez from behind, causing her to fall again. After regaining her footing, another scuffle ensued, resulting in Hernandez being tackled to the pavement. Fortunately, concerned citizens intervened, calming tensions and ensuring Hernandez’s safety.
Federal Investigation Launched
Beyond potential charges at the county level, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon confirmed via Twitter on Sunday that the FBI has opened a federal criminal investigation into the attack. The specifics of the FBI’s investigation remain undisclosed at this time. This escalation to a federal investigation underscores the seriousness of the incident and the potential for federal charges.
Hernandez’s Account
In a series of tweets on Sunday, Hernandez reported waking up with a headache and a stiff neck. She also stated that charges would be filed against the man who shoved her, his wife, and his daughter. She detailed a harrowing experience, stating, “A second angle shows that he had to be held back by 5 men as he continued to charge at me. I didn’t speak a word to him all day yet he repeatedly called me a bitch and very clearly looks like he wanted to violently hurt me even worse than he did.” Hernandez identified the man in her tweets. FOX 9 is withholding the suspect’s identity pending formal charges, adhering to established journalistic policy. Hernandez also expressed gratitude to attorney Mike Davis with the Article III Project, who she credited with bringing the incident to the attention of federal authorities.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2026 FOX Television Stations
