Federal law enforcement officials announced multiple arrests Thursday following the disruption of a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, an incident authorities described as an organized intrusion tied to anti-ICE protests.
Per FOX News, Attorney General Pam Bondi said two individuals—Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen—were taken into custody in connection with the incident at Cities Church.
A third individual, William Kelly, was also arrested days after publicly challenging the Department of Justice to act, Bondi said.
According to the FBI, Armstrong’s arrest is tied to an alleged violation of the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which bars interference with religious worship. FBI Director Kash Patel said Armstrong is scheduled to appear Thursday before U.S. Judge Douglas Micko.
Federal law enforcement officials announced multiple arrests Thursday following the disruption of a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, an incident authorities described as an organized intrusion tied to anti-ICE protests.
Per FOX News, Attorney General Pam Bondi said two individuals—Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen—were taken into custody in connection with the incident at Cities Church.
A third individual, William Kelly, was also arrested days after publicly challenging the Department of Justice to act, Bondi said.
According to the FBI, Armstrong’s arrest is tied to an alleged violation of the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which bars interference with religious worship. FBI Director Kash Patel said Armstrong is scheduled to appear Thursday before U.S. Judge Douglas Micko.
The Department of Homeland Security said Allen faces a charge of conspiracy to deprive rights.
“Minutes ago at my direction, HSI and FBI agents executed an arrest in Minnesota. So far, we have arrested Nekima Levy Armstrong, who allegedly played a key role in organizing the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota,” Bondi wrote on X.
She followed minutes later with a second announcement: “A second arrest has been made at my direction. Chauntyll Louisa Allen has been taken into custody.”
Bondi said additional information would be released as the investigation continues, adding: “We will share more updates as they become available. Listen loud and clear: WE DO NOT TOLERATE ATTACKS ON PLACES OF WORSHIP.”
Video posted online from Sunday’s incident shows a group of demonstrators entering Cities Church during its service and shouting at congregants, including children. Authorities said Kelly was among those who entered the church and confronted worshippers.
Armstrong, who describes herself on her website as a civil rights attorney and “scholar-activist,” is identified by officials as one of the organizers of the protest. Allen, according to authorities, also played a role and currently serves on the St. Paul School Board.
Following the service disruption, Armstrong continued to engage publicly with individuals connected to the church.
As recently as Wednesday, she accused one of the church’s pastors of having a “conflict of interest” because of work related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In a Facebook post, Armstrong claimed the pastor held a leadership role within ICE.
The demonstration was part of a broader wave of protests across the Twin Cities opposing the federal government’s expanded deployment of immigration enforcement personnel amid investigations into large-scale fraud in Minnesota.
Armstrong has previously drawn attention for her political activism, including organizing boycotts against Target after the company reduced certain diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
In a social media post dated September 26, she praised Joanne Chesimard—also known as Assata Shakur—who was convicted in the 1977 killing of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster, describing her as “a brave, wise, powerful, and revolutionary Black woman.”
THE THIRD FORCE
