Protesters Avoid State Charges After Disrupting Minnesota Church Service

<p>Dozens of protesters opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including former CNN journalist Don Lemon, will not face state criminal charges for disrupting a church service in Minnesota in January. St. Paul City Attorney Irene Kao announced on Wednesday that her office would not pursue charges, citing insufficient evidence to support prosecution under Minnesota law.</p><p>Kao stated, "Following a careful evaluation of the video footage, investigative reports, and other available materials, prosecutors determined that the current evidence is insufficient to meet that standard for criminal charges under Minnesota state statutes." Meanwhile, federal prosecutors have charged 39 individuals, including Lemon, with civil rights violations related to the incident, which are still pending.</p><p>The decision from the city prosecutor faced criticism from leaders at Cities Church, where the protest occurred on January 18. Lead pastor Jonathan Parnell expressed concern that the ruling could allow disruptions of religious gatherings. He stated, "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.’" The protest was aimed at the church due to one pastor's ties to ICE.</p><p>Kao emphasized that the decision should not be seen as an endorsement of unlawful behavior, stating, "The right to peacefully protest is protected, as is the right to exercise one’s religious beliefs. Balancing these equally important rights is paramount to our decision today." She noted that the demonstration did not involve violence, property damage, or threats to public safety, although church attorneys argued that the lack of vandalism does not imply that no laws were broken.</p>