Turley: Ellison Wrong on Church Protest Charges
Something happened at a Minnesota church that many see as more than a protest. Activists entered and disrupted services. The state attorney general, Keith Ellison, called it “a First Amendment activity” and suggested federal charges weren’t warranted.
George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley disagrees. He says the actions cross the line from speech into criminal conduct. He argues there are multiple violations on the table.
Turley wrote: “One would think that a mob action against a church would be something that would transcend political divisions as a grotesque and chilling act. If you thought that, you do not know Keith Ellison.”
He pressed the point that protesting outside a church is protected speech. But disrupting services and mistreating worshippers inside is conduct. That can be treated as trespass, disorderly conduct, or other offenses under state law. Turley says federal statutes could also apply.
Ellison pushed back on criticism by framing the event as a First Amendment issue. Turley rejects that framing. “He is wrong,” Turley wrote. The professor also criticized local officials for a muted response. He said there was a lack of deterrence and little condemnation from those in power.
Turley also called out Ellison’s political rhetoric: “If Trump likes you, you can do no wrong.” He suggested such statements undercut the attorney general’s impartiality when enforcing laws against protesters who allegedly trespassed and disrupted religious services.
The debate moved to television, where Turley repeated his position. Commenters and viewers picked up clips and shared them online. Some posts quoted Turley’s line that local officials failed to deter the incident and noted the possible state and federal charges that could follow.
The issue is not settled. Legal questions remain about which statutes apply and who will investigate. But Turley’s view is clear: the conduct inside the church was more than protected speech, and federal charges are at least plausible.
Jonathan Turley hits the nail on the head:
“What’s also fascinating is the lack of deterrent from local officials. You know, at a minimum, this is trespass and disorderly conduct under state law. We haven’t even heard from the governor [Walz] to condemn what was a grotesque and… pic.twitter.com/wwb6fvTOD0
— Julia 🇺🇸 (@Jules31415) January 20, 2026