‘Peaceful Protest’? St. Paul City Officials Absolve Rioters Who Invaded and Disrupted Church

In this WND article, Bob Unruh reports that St. Paul officials declined to pursue Minnesota state charges after anti-ICE protesters disrupted a worship service at Cities Church, even though federal charges are reportedly still pending.

• The article centers on a January 18 incident at Cities Church in St. Paul, where protesters allegedly entered during worship and disrupted the service.
• WND describes the group as anti-ICE activists who “invaded” the church, frightened children, intimidated congregants, and interfered with parents trying to reach their children.
• Don Lemon is a major figure in the article because he filmed the incident and is described by WND as taking part in the protest.
• Lemon reportedly argued that he was acting as a journalist and invoked First Amendment protections, but WND says federal prosecutors did not accept that defense.
• Pastor Jonathan Parnell criticized St. Paul officials after the city attorney’s office declined state charges, arguing the city had effectively treated the church disruption as a “peaceful protest.”
• Parnell questioned Mayor Kaohly Her directly, asking whether her stated commitment to listening and acting includes evangelical Christians.
• The city attorney’s office reportedly said it reviewed video, investigative reports, and other materials but concluded the evidence was insufficient to support state criminal charges under Minnesota law.
• WND reports that federal charges connected to the incident include conspiracy to deprive rights and violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances.
• The article frames the city’s decision as a dangerous precedent, arguing that religious gatherings could be disrupted by activists as long as officials classify the action as protest.

Read the full story:
https://www.wnd.com/2026/06/peaceful-protest-st-paul-city-officials-absolve-rioters/