Federal Case Update Involving Client Ian Austin
Army veteran Ian Davis Austin was charged in federal court in connection with a protest that occurred during a church service in Minneapolis. The government alleged violations of federal civil-rights statutes, including conspiracy and the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. Attorney Sarah Gad represented Mr. Austin during the early and critical stages of the federal proceedings.
Supporters gather outside the federal courthouse in Minneapolis following Mr. Austin’s release from custody.
Case Background and Legal Posture
From the outset, the defense challenged the sufficiency of the indictment as applied to Mr. Austin. The case presented significant constitutional and statutory questions, including: whether the indictment: (1) alleged facts sufficient to establish specific intent, a required element of the charged offenses; (2) expressive or protest activity, without force, threats, or physical obstruction, falls within the narrow scope of the FACE Act; (3) individualized criminal liability was adequately pleaded, as required in multi-defendant federal indictments. The defense emphasized that federal criminal charges must be supported by concrete factual allegations, not broad characterizations or guilt by association.
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Mr. Austin was released from custody and remains at liberty while the case proceeds. He has no finding of guilt and continues to contest the charges. The matter remains in a pretrial posture, with legal challenges directed at the adequacy of the government’s charging instrument rather than disputed facts.
Media Coverage​​
Mr. Austin was released from federal custody while his case continues to move forward through the legal process. His case has been covered by multiple national news organizations, including ABC News, The New York Times, CBS News, NBC News, MPR News, Philadelphia Inquirer, Mother Jones, and others.​