Federal authorities took decisive action on Jan. 22, 2026, as Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrests of multiple suspects involved in a mob disruption of a church service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minn., signaling a firm stance against attacks on places of worship.
On Thursday, Bondi named Nekima Levy Armstrong, Chauntyll Louisa Allen, and William Kelly as the individuals taken into custody following the Sunday incident, with charges ranging from violating federal laws to conspiracy. This development follows a coordinated protest by anti-ICE agitators that disrupted worship at Cities Church, prompting strong responses from federal officials including FBI Director Kash Patel.
Critics on the right argue that this incident highlights a troubling disregard for sacred spaces and the rule of law. The arrests underscore a broader push to protect constitutional rights amid escalating tensions over federal policies.
According to Fox News, the disruption occurred on Sunday when dozens of agitators stormed Cities Church during a service in St. Paul. Video footage revealed activists shouting at congregants, including children, creating a hostile environment in a place meant for peace.
Among the suspects, William Kelly reportedly berated attendees during the incident, as seen in online videos. Bondi noted Kelly’s arrest came just days after he openly challenged the Department of Justice to take action against him.
Bondi confirmed that HSI and FBI agents executed the arrests in Minnesota at her direction. She emphasized that further updates would be provided as the situation unfolds.
“Minutes ago at my direction, HSI and FBI agents executed an arrest in Minnesota. So far, we have arrested Nekima Levy Armstrong, who allegedly played a key role in organizing the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota,” Bondi wrote on X.
This statement from Bondi points to a deliberate effort behind the church incident, raising serious concerns about organized interference with religious freedom. Isn’t it telling that such actions target places of worship while claiming to champion rights?
Shortly after, Bondi announced a second arrest, confirming that Chauntyll Louisa Allen, a St. Paul School Board member, was taken into custody. The Department of Homeland Security stated Allen faces charges of conspiracy to deprive rights.
“We will share more updates as they become available. Listen loud and clear: WE DO NOT TOLERATE ATTACKS ON PLACES OF WORSHIP,” Bondi declared.
Bondi’s resolute message aligns with the values many hold dear regarding the sanctity of religious spaces. Shouldn’t all Americans, regardless of politics, agree that houses of worship deserve protection from such intrusions?
FBI Director Kash Patel clarified that Armstrong’s arrest relates to a potential violation of the FACE Act, which safeguards the exercise of religion at places of worship. Armstrong, who identifies as a civil rights lawyer, was set to appear before U.S. Judge Douglas Micko on Thursday.
The demonstration is part of ongoing protests across the Twin Cities opposing a surge of federal immigration enforcement to address widespread fraud in Minnesota. Armstrong had accused a church pastor of a “conflict of interest” for working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as noted in a Wednesday statement.
Armstrong’s history includes controversial activism, such as organizing boycotts against Target for reducing its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Her past praise on Sept. 26 for a convicted individual further complicates her public image amid these recent actions.
Under President Donald Trump’s administration, federal efforts to uphold law and order continue to face resistance from certain activist groups. These arrests send a clear signal that disrupting sacred spaces crosses a line, demanding accountability to preserve community trust and safety.
