Federal authorities have substantially broadened their inquiry into a January 18th protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, announcing that an additional thirty individuals are now facing charges related to the alleged disruption of a worship service. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed on Friday, February 27, 2026, the unsealing of a federal indictment that details these new accusations. This significant development elevates the total count of individuals implicated in connection with the incident to thirty-nine, according to official reports. The Department of Justice's firm stance underscores a commitment to protecting religious institutions, with the charges primarily focusing on violations of religious freedom. This expansion signals a robust federal response to the events that unfolded earlier in the year, indicating a comprehensive effort to identify and prosecute all parties deemed responsible for the alleged disturbance.
The charges stem from an incident on January 18th, when a group, described in the federal indictment as approximately forty 'unruly agitators,' allegedly gained unauthorized entry into Cities Church. According to the official legal document, these individuals engaged in what was characterized as a 'coordinated takeover-style attack' during an active worship service. The indictment further specifies that this alleged assault involved 'acts of oppression, intimidation, threats, interference, and physical obstruction.' The severity of the disruption reportedly compelled congregants to evacuate the church premises, citing immediate concerns for their personal safety. Prior to this latest announcement, several individuals had already been identified in connection with the event, including independent journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort, alongside activist Nekima Levy Armstrong, as previously reported by National News, highlighting the high-profile nature of the initial investigation.
In the immediate aftermath of the expanded charges, federal agents reportedly took twenty-five of the newly indicted individuals into custody on Friday, with authorities suggesting that further apprehensions were anticipated throughout the day. Attorney General Bondi conveyed a resolute message via a post on the social media platform X, underscoring the Justice Department's unwavering opposition to such conduct. She unequivocally stated, 'YOU CANNOT ATTACK A HOUSE OF WORSHIP. If you do so, you cannot hide from us—we will find you, arrest you, and prosecute you,' a clear demonstration of the federal government's dedication to safeguarding religious freedoms. The current charges against all thirty-nine individuals include serious federal offenses such as conspiracy against religious freedom and interfering with the right of religious freedom, emphasizing the grave nature of the allegations and the federal government's commitment to upholding constitutional protections for religious practice.
The application of federal charges, specifically those related to conspiracy against religious freedom and interference with the right to exercise religious freedom, underscores the profound seriousness with which the Department of Justice views the alleged actions at Cities Church. This federal intervention signals that the incident is not merely being treated as a local disturbance but as a direct challenge to constitutionally protected rights. The description of the event as a 'coordinated takeover-style attack' suggests a premeditated effort to disrupt a sacred space, which federal law is designed to prevent and punish. By pursuing these charges, the DOJ is sending a clear message about the inviolability of places of worship and the government's role in ensuring that individuals can practice their faith without fear of intimidation or obstruction. This strong stance could set a precedent for how similar incidents involving religious institutions are handled nationwide, emphasizing the federal government's commitment to upholding the First Amendment's protections.
In summary, the Department of Justice has significantly escalated its response to the January 18th protest at Cities Church, with an additional thirty individuals now facing federal charges, bringing the total to thirty-nine. Attorney General Pam Bondi's unequivocal statements and the swift arrests of newly indicted individuals highlight the federal government's firm resolve to protect religious freedom and prosecute those who allegedly disrupt worship services. As the investigation continues, with more arrests potentially on the horizon, the focus will shift to the legal proceedings and how these serious federal charges, including conspiracy against religious freedom, will be adjudicated. The outcome of these cases will undoubtedly be closely watched as a measure of the federal government's commitment to safeguarding religious institutions and the rights of their congregants.