Man Accused of Punching ICE Protester at Fort Snelling

Dec 31

A 36-year-old man is charged with misdemeanor assault after prosecutors say he carried out a blind-side attack during a protest at Fort Snelling last week.

According to a criminal complaint, Zak X, of St. Cloud, is charged with fifth-degree assault for the incident Dec. 27.

> Sign up for the MN CRIME newsletter

Investigators say deputies were dispatched to the area of the Whipple Building after a report of an assault during a protest.

The complaint says when deputies arrived, they spoke with the victim, who reported being struck by X. Surveillance video obtained by investigators allegedly shows X approaching the victim from behind while the victim was facing away. The video is described as showing X balling his fist and delivering multiple uppercut punches in what investigators characterize as a blind-side attack. The victim fell to the ground as a result of the blows and was later observed with injuries to his face.

Deputies with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office arrested X at the scene. Prosecutors charged him with 5th degree assault causing bodily harm, a misdemeanor that carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

“The defendant engaged in political violence, assaulting a protestor whose views he disagreed with,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said in a statement announcing the charge. “This behavior has consequences, and we will hold him accountable. We are committed to protecting the right to nonviolent protest.”

X had bail set at $3,000, which was later posted, and he was released with conditions including a no-contact order with the victim. Prior court records show X legally changed his name from Zachary Allen Stumpf in 2024.

X is scheduled to make his next court appearance at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 31.

> See more of our latest coverage

> Follow on X or YouTube for more

> Help make MN safer with real-time alerts, LIVE video, 24/7 Safety Agents & much more: Download Citizen now