Bondi Confirms Two Arrests at Minnesota Church Protest
On Monday, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrests of two individuals linked to a protest at a church in Minnesota. The arrested individuals, Ian Davis Austin and Jerome Deangelo Richardson, are part of a larger group named in a recent federal indictment.
Background of the Protests
The protest took place on January 18 at The Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Demonstrators targeted the pastor, alleging his affiliation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The protest was deemed a coordinated attack by the Department of Homeland Security, which has raised concerns regarding the implications for religious freedom.
Details of the Indictment
Last week, a federal grand jury issued an indictment against nine individuals, including notable journalists like Don Lemon and Georgia Fort. The indictment charges each defendant with conspiracy to inhibit religious freedom and interfering with the rights of worship.
- Charges include:
- Conspiracy against religious freedoms
- Injury and intimidation at places of worship
In her announcement, Bondi emphasized the seriousness of the offenses, stating, “If you riot in a place of worship, we WILL find you.”
Release of Arrested Journalists
Following their arrests, Don Lemon and other defendants were released by a federal magistrate. The judge ruled that the complaints against them lacked probable cause under federal statute. This statute, according to a top Justice Department official, has never been applied in a church protest context before.
Reactions from Journalists
After his release, Lemon expressed his determination to continue reporting on the events as they unfold. His attorney, Abbe Lowell, criticized the arrests, labeling them an “unprecedented attack on the First Amendment.” Lowell suggested the administration’s actions aimed to divert attention from pressing national issues.
The arrests, particularly of high-profile figures like Lemon, have heightened tensions surrounding the Trump administration’s immigration policies in Minnesota. This situation follows recent incidents involving federal officers and citizens, further complicating the public’s perception of law enforcement and civil liberties.
