ST. PAUL — The U.S. Justice Department filed federal civil rights charges against 39 individuals connected to the interruption of a service at Cities Church in St. Paul on January 18. The federal charges include former journalist Don Lemon and an unnamed independent journalist. The department filed the charges in connection with the incident.
A livestreamed recording shows participants chanting "ICE out" and "Justice for Renee Good" during the service. The service was interrupted by the group. The protesters stated they learned that one of the church pastors was a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official overseeing operations in Minnesota.
Renee Good was a 37-year-old mother of three. A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot Renee Good in Minneapolis.
The shooting occurred during a period of increased federal immigration enforcement.
St. Paul City Attorney Irene Kao released a decision regarding the incident. Kao stated, "Current evidence is insufficient to meet that standard for criminal charges under Minnesota state statutes." Kao said this decision should not be interpreted as an endorsement of unlawful behavior or public disorder. She said the right to peacefully protest is protected, as is the right to exercise one's religious beliefs. She stated balancing these equally important rights is paramount to our decision today.
Kao further noted, "Violence, destruction of property and threats to public safety remain serious concerns, but none of that occurred during the demonstration."
Cities Church lead pastor Jonathan Parnell issued a statement regarding the city attorney's decision. "According to the St. Paul City Attorney's logic, it is perfectly fine for agitators to invade a mosque, a cathedral, or a temple, intimidate the families and children inside, and shut down their religious gathering. Just call it a 'protest,'" Parnell said. Attorneys representing Cities Church stated that the absence of property damage did not mean laws were followed during the demonstration.