Overview
- Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said her office is investigating whether the Jan. 18 Cities Church disruption violated federal protections for worship and warned participants they could face charges.
- Dhillon publicly told Don Lemon he is "on notice," arguing a house of worship is not a public forum and that journalism would not shield participation in a potential conspiracy, while emphasizing he retains a presumption of innocence.
- Lemon, who livestreamed inside the sanctuary, says he had no affiliation with organizers and was reporting the news, a stance he reiterated after online backlash and threats.
- Activists Nekima Levy Armstrong and St. Paul school board member Chauntyll Allen were identified in posts and video as involved in organizing or leading the action, which prompted congregants to leave, including visibly distressed children.
- Protesters targeted the church over claims about pastor David Easterwood’s ICE role, an identification ICE has not confirmed, as the incident unfolded during wider Twin Cities protests over the killing of Renee Nicole Good.