Federal Crackdown Intensifies: 26 More Arrestees Face Charges for Terrorizing Minnesota Church Congregation

The Justice Department has expanded its prosecution of the brazen mob attack on a Minnesota house of worship, bringing the total number of defendants to over 50 in what law enforcement officials are calling an unprecedented assault on religious freedom.

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Friday that 26 additional individuals now face federal conspiracy charges for their role in the January 18 takeover of Cities Church in St. Paul. The expanded indictment underscores the administration’s zero-tolerance approach to political violence masquerading as protest.

A Coordinated Attack on Worshippers

This wasn’t spontaneous demonstration. It was premeditated intimidation.

Federal prosecutors have revealed that defendants conducted reconnaissance of the church facility the day before the attack. Two individuals allegedly surveyed the premises, recorded video, and coordinated logistics for what would become a chaotic assault on Sunday morning worshippers.

The alleged crime? One of the church’s pastors had employment ties to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Chaos, Intimidation, and Trauma

What unfolded during that January morning service represents everything wrong with the radical left’s approach to political disagreement. Activists stormed into an active worship service, screaming at families, blowing whistles, and creating what prosecutors describe as a “menacing and traumatizing” environment.

One defendant allegedly approached children—children—and told them their parents were Nazis destined for hell. Another positioned himself at exit doors, physically blocking congregants from leaving while demanding they answer questions about immigration policy.

This is not protest. This is persecution.

The Full Weight of Federal Law

The 30 individuals named in the newly unsealed indictment join others already arrested in connection with the church takeover. Each faces charges of conspiracy against the right of religious freedom at a place of worship and attempting to interfere with congregants exercising their First Amendment rights.

“At my direction, federal agents have already arrested 25 of them, with more to come throughout the day,” Bondi declared. “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.”

Her message is unequivocal: This Department of Justice stands for Christians and all Americans of faith.

Media Complicity Under Scrutiny

Among those previously arrested is former cable news personality Don Lemon, who livestreamed the church invasion while claiming to practice “independent journalism.” According to the indictment, Lemon positioned himself to block exits and interrogate fleeing parishioners.

The line between activist and journalist has never been thinner—or more dangerous.

A Turning Point for Religious Liberty

The aggressive federal response to this incident marks a dramatic shift from previous administrations that too often turned a blind eye to left-wing political violence. No longer will houses of worship serve as acceptable targets for those who disagree with the political views of clergy or congregants.

The list of defendants reads like a who’s who of radical activism in the Twin Cities. Each now faces the reality that actions have consequences.

Setting the Standard

This prosecution sends an unmistakable message to would-be domestic terrorists: religious institutions are off-limits. Period.

Churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples represent sacred spaces where Americans gather to worship freely without fear of harassment or violence. When activists cross the threshold from peaceful protest to coordinated assault, they forfeit any claim to First Amendment protection.

The Department of Justice has made clear it will deploy the full arsenal of federal law enforcement resources to protect that fundamental right. Reconnaissance operations, coordinated entry, physical obstruction of exits, and targeted harassment of families—these are the tactics of extremists, not legitimate protesters.

Justice in Action

As federal agents continue rounding up suspects, the message resonates beyond Minnesota. Houses of worship across America can take comfort knowing that this administration will not tolerate mob rule disguised as social activism.

The 26 newly arrested defendants will soon discover what others learned before them: there is no hiding from federal law enforcement when you violate civil rights. Prosecutions are forthcoming. Justice will be served.

This is what accountability looks like. This is what defending religious freedom requires. And this is only the beginning.