Federal authorities arrested 25 individuals after a new indictment in the Cities Church case, with additional arrests expected, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Federal prosecutors have charged 30 additional individuals in connection with the storming of Cities Church in Minnesota, following the return of a superseding indictment in the high-profile case that previously led to charges against former CNN host Don Lemon and other activists.
In a public statement, Attorney General Pam Bondi said the Justice Department unsealed the indictment and moved swiftly to take suspects into custody. “Today, DOJ unsealed an indictment charging 30 more people who took part in the attack on Cities Church in Minnesota,” Bondi said. “At my direction, federal agents have already arrested 25 of them, with more to come throughout the day. YOU CANNOT ATTACK A HOUSE OF WORSHIP. If you do so, you cannot hide from us — we will find you, arrest you, and prosecute you. This Department of Justice STANDS for Christians and all Americans of faith.”
Bondi reiterated those remarks in a post on X, writing, “Today, @thejusticedept unsealed an indictment charging 30 more people who took part in the attack on Cities Church in Minnesota. At my direction, federal agents have already arrested 25 of them, with more to come throughout the day. YOU CANNOT ATTACK A HOUSE OF WORSHIP. If you…” The post was published on February 27, 2026.
The superseding indictment remains under seal. However, local outlets have reported that at least nine additional individuals were taken into federal custody Friday. Authorities have not publicly released the identities of those newly arrested.
According to a report from KARE 11, at least nine people were arrested in connection with a St. Paul church protest that previously resulted in the arrests of Don Lemon, journalist Georgia Fort and attorney and activist Nekima Levy Armstrong. The outlet reported that those arrested were transported to the federal courthouse in St. Paul and were expected to make initial court appearances Friday afternoon. As of mid-morning, officials had not released identifying information.
Earlier charges in the case included alleged violations of 18 U.S.C. § 241, conspiracy to deprive rights, and 18 U.S.C. § 248, violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. Prosecutors alleged that Lemon and others engaged in conduct that obstructed congregants during a protest inside the church.
According to prior court filings, the indictment alleged that Lemon “oppressed, threatened, and intimidated the Church’s congregants and pastors by physically occupying most of the main aisle and rows of chairs near the front of the Church, engaging in menacing and threatening behavior…” It further alleged that he “physically obstructed” congregants as they “attempted to exit and/or move about within the Church.”
Lemon livestreamed portions of the protest as demonstrators entered the St. Paul church, objecting to claims that the pastor worked for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. During the livestream, Lemon stated, “This is the beginning of what’s going to happen here,” as protesters shouted down the pastor and confronted parishioners.
Following their initial arrests, Lemon, Fort, Armstrong and other activists were released pending court proceedings. At least five defendants in the case have entered not guilty pleas to the federal charges.
The Justice Department has not released additional details about the newly charged defendants or the specific counts included in the superseding indictment. Federal officials have indicated that further arrests may occur as the investigation continues.
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