St. Paul City Attorney Drops State Charges in Church Protest Due to Lack of Evidence

State charges have been dropped for 40 people involved in a January church protest in St. Paul. This is because officials said there wasn't enough evidence for state-level charges.
By Newsroom | Law and Order, St. Paul |

ST. PAUL, MN – The St. Paul City Attorney's office has opted not to pursue state-level criminal charges against dozens of individuals who disrupted a service at Cities Church in January. The decision, announced this week, stems from a determination that the "current evidence is insufficient to meet the standard for criminal charges under Minnesota state statutes."

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Prosecutors reviewed video footage, investigative reports, and other materials related to the January incident, concluding that the evidence did not support state prosecution. The protest targeted a pastor at Cities Church, identified as David Easterwood, who also reportedly holds a position with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While state charges are off the table, the same individuals, numbering nearly 40, continue to face federal civil rights charges in connection with the demonstration.

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The protesters' actions aimed to draw attention to federal immigration enforcement operations. Despite the lack of state charges, church leaders have expressed strong disagreement with the decision. Lead Pastor Jonathan Parnell of Cities Church questioned the commitment of city officials to defending the rights of evangelical Christians, particularly in light of the disruption.

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Among those facing federal charges are notable figures including journalist Don Lemon, formerly of CNN, and independent journalist Georgia Fort. Both have maintained they were present to report on the events. Another prominent individual involved is Twin Cities activist Nekima Levy Armstrong. The city attorney's office clarified that this decision does not constitute an endorsement of the protesters' conduct.

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The incident occurred during what was described as "Operation Metro Surge." The St. Paul City Attorney, Irene Kao, stated that the evidence gathered did not indicate violence, property destruction, or threats to public safety, factors she noted as relevant in their assessment for state charges.

Meanwhile, the legal proceedings related to the protest appear complex. In a separate development, federal charges were dropped against one individual, Heather Danae Lewis, in March, after prosecutors indicated she may not have attended the event at all. Reports suggest her initial involvement was identified through cellphone data and a resemblance to someone seen on video, and that she might have been mistaken for another participant. The protest itself has also raised questions about the application of laws like the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act) and federal statutes related to conspiracy, with defense arguments potentially centering on First Amendment protections for speech.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the St. Paul City Attorney drop state charges against the protesters at Cities Church?
The City Attorney's office stated there was insufficient evidence to meet the standard for criminal charges under Minnesota state laws. They reviewed video and reports but found no evidence of violence, property destruction, or threats to public safety.
Q: What happened during the Cities Church disruption in January?
Nearly 40 individuals disrupted a service at Cities Church to protest a pastor who also works with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The protest was part of an operation called 'Operation Metro Surge.'
Q: Are the protesters facing any charges at all?
Yes, while state charges were dropped, the same individuals continue to face federal civil rights charges related to the demonstration.
Q: Who are some of the notable individuals facing federal charges?
Journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort, and activist Nekima Levy Armstrong are among those facing federal charges. They stated they were present to report on the events.
Q: Have any charges been dropped for individuals in this case?
Yes, federal charges were dropped in March for Heather Danae Lewis after prosecutors suggested she may not have been at the event and could have been mistaken for someone else.