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.
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.”
“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.
