St. Paul church protest charges and arrests

Developing StoryLast updated MAY 12
SUMMARY

Emily Phillips, a protester previously cleared of charges, was arrested on Easter Sunday, April 11, 2026, for disrupting a service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. As of late February 2026, 39 individuals, including journalist Don Lemon, have been charged in connection with the January 18 anti-ICE protest at the church, though charges against Lemon were dismissed on March 17, 2026. Charges were also dismissed against another anti-ICE protester on April 10, 2026, due to lack of probable cause, marking the second such instance. A churchgoer filed a civil lawsuit on April 6, 2026, against Don Lemon, Nekima Levy Armstrong, and Georgia Fort, alleging extreme and outrageous conduct during the January 18 protest.

Timeline

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April 2026 — 3 developments

  1. Emily Phillips, a protester previously cleared of charges, was arrested on Easter Sunday for disrupting a service at Cities Church in St.

    Emily Phillips, a protester previously cleared of charges, was arrested on Easter Sunday for disrupting a service at Cities Church in St. Paul. As of late February 2026, 39 individuals, including journalist Don Lemon, have been charged in connection with the January anti-ICE protest at the church.

  2. Charges were dismissed against an anti-ICE protester arrested at Cities Church on April 6, 2026, as a judge ruled the case lacked probable cause.

    Charges were dismissed against an anti-ICE protester arrested at Cities Church on April 6, 2026, as a judge ruled the case lacked probable cause. This is the second instance of charges being dropped for an individual involved in the January 18 protest, which led to 39 people being charged.

  3. A churchgoer has filed a civil lawsuit against Don Lemon, Nekima Levy Armstrong, and Georgia Fort, a…

    A churchgoer has filed a civil lawsuit against Don Lemon, Nekima Levy Armstrong, and Georgia Fort, alleging extreme and outrageous conduct during the January 18, 2026, protest at Cities Church. The lawsuit seeks damages and an injunction for disrupting religious worship, adding a new legal dimension to the ongoing case.

March 2026 — 3 developments

  1. Federal prosecutors dismissed charges against a Brooklyn Park woman due to mistaken identity, and defense attorneys are challenging government delays in evidence disclosure.

    Federal prosecutors dismissed charges against a Brooklyn Park woman due to mistaken identity, and defense attorneys are challenging government delays in evidence disclosure. Additionally, a civil lawsuit has been filed by a churchgoer against Don Lemon and other protesters, alleging severe emotional distress.

  2. Federal prosecutors argue that the arrest of Jerome Richardson, who allegedly assisted journalist Don Lemon with protest logistics, indicates planning rather than passive coverage.

    Federal prosecutors argue that the arrest of Jerome Richardson, who allegedly assisted journalist Don Lemon with protest logistics, indicates planning rather than passive coverage. Additionally, charges were dropped in March 2026 against a Minnesota woman who claimed she was wrongly charged using a geofence warrant.

  3. A federal magistrate judge has dismissed charges against journalist Don Lemon in connection with an anti-immigration protest at a St.

    A federal magistrate judge has dismissed charges against journalist Don Lemon in connection with an anti-immigration protest at a St. Paul church. Lemon's defense successfully argued that his presence and actions were protected by the First Amendment as he was reporting on the event. While charges against Lemon were dropped, 39 other individuals still face federal charges related to the protest.

February 2026 — 5 developments

  1. Federal charges have been filed against 39 individuals for their involvement in a protest at Cities Church on January 18, 2026.

    Federal charges have been filed against 39 individuals for their involvement in a protest at Cities Church on January 18, 2026. The charges include "Conspiracy Against Right of Religious Freedom at Place of Worship" and "Injure, Intimidate, and Interfere with Exercise of Right of Religious Freedom at Place of Worship." Protesters targeted Pastor David Easterwood, believing he held a leadership role with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

  2. Thirty additional individuals have been charged in connection with the anti-ICE protest at Cities Church in St.

    Thirty additional individuals have been charged in connection with the anti-ICE protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, bringing the total number of defendants to 39. The new indictments were announced on February 27, 2026, expanding the case that initially involved nine arrests, including journalist Don Lemon. The charges include conspiracy against religious freedom and interfering with worshippers' rights.

  3. Journalist Don Lemon and eight other defendants have pleaded not guilty to federal civil rights charges in connection with a protest at a Minnesota church.

    Journalist Don Lemon and eight other defendants have pleaded not guilty to federal civil rights charges in connection with a protest at a Minnesota church. The charges include conspiracy against the right of religious freedom and violating the FACE Act. Lemon maintains his actions were constitutionally protected journalism.

  4. Two additional individuals, Ian Davis Austin and Jerome Deangelo Richardson, have been arrested in connection with the protest at Cities Church in St.

    Two additional individuals, Ian Davis Austin and Jerome Deangelo Richardson, have been arrested in connection with the protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. This brings the total number of charged individuals to nine, including journalist Don Lemon. The federal indictment describes the incident as a 'takeover-style attack'.

  5. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced two additional arrests in the St. Paul church takeover cas…

    U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced two additional arrests in the St. Paul church takeover case, bringing the total number of individuals arrested to nine.

January 2026 — 12 developments

  1. Legal experts and media organizations voiced concerns about the arrests of journalists, warning of a…

    Legal experts and media organizations voiced concerns about the arrests of journalists, warning of a potential chilling effect on press freedom and coverage of the Trump administration.

  2. Don Lemon's attorney, Abbe Lowell, issued a statement asserting Lemon's actions were constitutionally protected journalism and that he would vigorously fight the charges.

    Don Lemon's attorney, Abbe Lowell, issued a statement asserting Lemon's actions were constitutionally protected journalism and that he would vigorously fight the charges.

  3. Journalist Don Lemon was arrested by federal agents in Los Angeles and charged with federal civil ri…

    Journalist Don Lemon was arrested by federal agents in Los Angeles and charged with federal civil rights crimes in connection with an anti-ICE protest that disrupted a service at a St. Paul church. The Department of Justice indictment alleges Lemon participated in a "coordinated takeover-style" protest, charging him and eight others with conspiracy against the right of religious freedom.

  4. Independent journalist Georgia Fort was released from federal custody on Friday, following her arrest last week alongside Don Lemon.

    Independent journalist Georgia Fort was released from federal custody on Friday, following her arrest last week alongside Don Lemon.

  5. Don Lemon made a public statement asserting his commitment to journalism and his intention to fight the charges.

    Don Lemon made a public statement asserting his commitment to journalism and his intention to fight the charges.

  6. Don Lemon was released from custody after appearing in federal court in Los Angeles, on a personal r…

    Don Lemon was released from custody after appearing in federal court in Los Angeles, on a personal recognizance bond with conditions including avoiding contact with victims or witnesses.

  7. Don Lemon was taken into federal custody in Los Angeles while covering the Grammy Awards, facing charges of conspiracy and violating the FACE Act.

    Don Lemon was taken into federal custody in Los Angeles while covering the Grammy Awards, facing charges of conspiracy and violating the FACE Act. Independent journalist Georgia Fort, Trahern Jeen Crew, and Jamael Lydell Lundy were also arrested.

  8. A grand jury in Minnesota indicted Don Lemon and others on charges of conspiracy and interfering wit…

    A grand jury in Minnesota indicted Don Lemon and others on charges of conspiracy and interfering with the First Amendment rights of worshippers, alleging a 'takeover-style attack' on the church.

  9. Federal authorities have arrested two anti-ICE agitators, Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa…

    Federal authorities have arrested two anti-ICE agitators, Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen, for their alleged roles in organizing a disruption at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Independent journalist Georgia Fort, along with Don Lemon and others, were taken into custody in connection with the protest. Don Lemon and Georgia Fort have been criminally charged in connection with the protest.

  10. A Minnesota federal magistrate judge reportedly declined to approve initial charges against Don Lemon, though the Justice Department indicated it might pursue other avenues.

    A Minnesota federal magistrate judge reportedly declined to approve initial charges against Don Lemon, though the Justice Department indicated it might pursue other avenues.

  11. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the first arrests in connection with the church protest, identifying Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen.

    Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the first arrests in connection with the church protest, identifying Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen. A third individual, William Kelly, was also arrested.

  12. Following the church disruption, President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and other officials publicly denounced the protest.

    Following the church disruption, President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and other officials publicly denounced the protest.