The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office announced on April 29 that Christopher Ostroushko, 51, has been charged with one count of fifth-degree assault for his actions during an incident at the Whipple Building on April 11.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about protest-related confrontations and how authorities respond to them. The Attorney’s Office said Ostroushko allegedly shoved a victim in the back, causing the person to fall head first to the ground. After reviewing available evidence, prosecutors determined that a charge of fifth-degree assault was appropriate and filed it on Wednesday.
Charges were declined against three other individuals arrested as part of this incident due to insufficient evidence. “This is the second fifth-degree assault charge stemming from confrontations at Fort Snelling since December,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said. “We are committed to protecting the right to protest across the entire county, including at Whipple, but violent conduct is unacceptable.”
In December, Zak X was previously charged by the office with fifth-degree assault for punching an individual during a protest at Fort Snelling. Over 40 cases involving other individuals who were “tab-charged” by law enforcement related to protest conduct at Whipple have been dismissed by prosecutors. The office noted that misdemeanor cases tab-charged by officers are not reviewed before charging and can only be dismissed once assigned a court date.
Officials say they remain focused on balancing public safety with First Amendment rights as more protests occur throughout Hennepin County.
