Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Friday that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has unsealed an indictment charging 30 additional individuals in connection with the Jan. 18 disruption at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.
“Today, [the Justice Department] unsealed an indictment charging 30 more people who took part in the attack on Cities Church in Minnesota,” Bondi wrote in a post on X.
“At my direction, federal agents have already arrested 25 of them, with more to come throughout the day,” she added.
Bondi stated that the department will take similar action in future cases involving disruptions at places of worship.
“YOU CANNOT ATTACK A HOUSE OF WORSHIP,” Bondi wrote. “If you do so, you cannot hide from us — we will find you, arrest you, and prosecute you. This Department of Justice STANDS for Christians and all Americans of faith.”
Federal authorities reported that 25 of the newly charged individuals were taken into custody as of the announcement, with additional arrests expected later in the day.
The new charges bring the total number of individuals indicted in connection with the incident to 39.
All defendants face federal charges, including conspiracy against religious freedom and interfering with the free exercise of religion.
According to the indictment, prosecutors allege a coordinated effort to oppress, threaten, and intimidate clergy, staff, and congregants through force, threats of force, and physical obstruction.
The charges reference violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act and related civil rights statutes.
FBI Director Kash Patel addressed the expanded indictment in a statement, as Trending Politics reported.
“Today’s FACE Act arrests with our federal partners show this FBI will never tolerate those who target, attack, or intimidate Americans peacefully exercising their right to worship freely,” Patel said.
“To date, 39 individuals have been indicted over their role in the January 18th targeting on Cities Church — with multiple arrests already occurring last month including Don Lemon,” he added.
The incident occurred during a Sunday worship service at Cities Church in St. Paul.
According to court documents, protesters entered the building over claims that one of the church’s pastors was serving as the director of the local Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office.
The disruption was reportedly organized under the name “Operation Pullup” and promoted on social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook.
Participants gathered at a nearby shopping center before proceeding to the church, according to the indictment.
Once inside, the group chanted slogans related to immigration enforcement policies and referenced a prior fatal shooting involving federal agents.
Authorities allege that some participants used threatening language and that the disruption forced the service to end early.
Congregants exited the building, and emergency protocols were activated. Some attendees, including children, reported feeling unsafe.
In the initial phase of the case, nine individuals were indicted and arrested.
Among those previously charged were former CNN host Don Lemon, journalist Georgia Fort, activist Nekima Levy Armstrong, Ian Davis Austin, and Jerome Deangelo Richardson.
Several defendants have entered not guilty pleas to the charges.
