Protester Storms Church, Taunts DOJ and AG

Adriana Stone 0 1 min read

Protester Storms Church, Taunts DOJ and AG

A confrontation at a St. Paul church over the weekend has sparked a federal response.

People interrupted a service at Cities Church. Video shows a man moving into the crowd. Don Lemon livestreamed part of the incident.

Those inside say worshippers and children were frightened. Several activists, including William Kelly and Nikema Armstrong, are named in local accounts.

Authorities say the Department of Justice has opened an inquiry into potential violations of the federal FACE Act. That law covers interference with religious worship and related conduct.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi posted on social media about the case. She wrote: “I just spoke to the Pastor in Minnesota whose church was targeted. Attacks against law enforcement and the intimidation of Christians are being met with the full force of federal law. If state leaders refuse to act responsibly to prevent lawlessness, this Department of Justice…”

Reports say Harmeet Dhillon, the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the Department of Justice, announced plans to pursue charges under the Ku Klux Klan Act related to the church incident.

After the event, video and remarks from one of the protesters circulated online. He is recorded speaking directly about the disruption. He said: “Yesterday, I went into a church with Nikema Armstrong and I protested these white supremacists!”

He continued on camera: “The pastor of the church is a f*cking ICE leader in the city?!”

He then taunted federal officials: “They want to come after me? F*ck em!”

The most direct insult aimed at the Attorney General was also recorded: “F*ck those f*cking Nazis! Come and get me, Pam Bondi! You f*cking traitorous b*tch!”

Video clips and livestreams of the confrontation have been shared widely. Different outlets and officials are now reviewing the footage as part of the investigation.

Legal consequences could follow if prosecutors find violations of federal statutes. For now, the DOJ review is ongoing and local leaders are weighing their next steps.

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