On social media, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the first person arrested was the ringleader of the Cities Church demonstration, Nekima Levy Armstrong. Armstrong is an attorney-turned-activist and a well-known Black Lives Matter leader in the Minneapolis area.
Two more arrests were announced later in the day. The second defendant is Chauntyll Louisa Allen, a Black Lives Matter leader and school board member for Saint Paul Public Schools. She also bragged online about organizing the protest.
The third person arrested is William Kelly, who was among the most unhinged protesters after video showed him cursing at churchgoers. Kelly, who later defended his conduct in a video, also filmed a profanity-filled TikTok video daring Bondi to “come and arrest me.”
The DOJ announced it is charging eight people in all who participated in the protest, which targeted Cities Church because a staff member is reportedly a full-time ICE agent.
The New York Post reported all three defendants named so far are being charged with “conspiracy against rights,” which makes it a federal crime to intimidate someone in the free exercise of their constitutional rights.
It's unclear if the protesters will also be charged under the FACE Act. That federal law, which is mostly known for protecting abortion clinics, also includes houses of worship. DOJ officials first cited it in their first reactions to the mob scene.
Longtime conservative activist Michele Bachmann, an attorney and former Minnesota congresswoman, told American Family News the charges are appropriate.
“I've observed many legal professionals who understand this area of the law,” she said, “and they have said there is no constitutional right to do this.”
One person who has escaped handcuffs – at least for now – is Don Lemon, the former CNN host. A judge refused to sign the warrant for his arrest over First Amendment concerns.
Lemon, easily the most recognizable face among the protesters, claims he attended the demonstration as a neutral journalist. Lemon's political views are hardly neutral, and his claim of a neutral observer conflicts with his own film in which he joined up with the protesters before they went to the church. He also gives Armstrong a kiss on the cheek when they meet.
Rather than interview church members, Lemon also filmed himself arguing with the church pastor and with church members.
Bachmann told AFN she was “appalled” at the demonstration, particularly at video footage showing frightened, crying children.
The political Left will keep pushing boundaries, she added, until it’s pushed back.
American Family Radio (AFR) show host Jenna Ellis says Bondi is making the right moves.
"I'm glad to see that the federal government is beginning to hold accountable those responsible for the reprehensible invasion of a church last Sunday. Churches are sacred spaces and worth of protection from those who would desecrate them and terrorize their parishioners," Ellis said.
Bondi needs to step on the gas, Ellis said.
"I hope the DOJ and FBI will not rest on the positive headlines today but will continue to hold accountable everyone involved."
