Dozens of protesters, including former CNN journalist Don Lemon, will not face state criminal charges after disrupting a church service in Minnesota. Church leaders criticized this decision, saying it allowed activists to interfere with religious services without repercussions.
St. Paul City Attorney Irene Kao explained that the evidence did not warrant prosecution under state law. The evaluation of video footage and investigative reports concluded that the available evidence was insufficient for criminal charges.
Despite state charges being dropped, federal prosecutors have charged 39 people, including Lemon, with civil rights violations related to the disruption. These federal cases are still pending.
On January 19, 2026, activists interrupted a service at Cities Church in St. Paul. They protested the involvement of a pastor in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
The decision by the city prosecutor was met with criticism from Cities Church leaders. Lead pastor Jonathan Parnell expressed concern that the ruling justified disturbances in places of worship under the guise of protest.
The protest centered on allegations against a church pastor who also worked as an ICE official. Demonstrators were heard chanting for “Justice for Renee Good,” referring to a fatal incident involving federal agents.
Kao clarified that the lack of state charges did not condone unlawful behavior or public disorder. She emphasized the importance of balancing the rights to peaceful protest and religious practice.
While the demonstration did not result in violence or property damage, attorneys for the church maintained that laws were still violated.