By SHR Media

Update:

Third Arrest Announced as Federal Case Expands

A third arrest has now been announced in connection with the invasion of a St. Paul church service, according to a statement attributed to Kash Patel.

The individual identified is William Kelly, who has been described by authorities as an anti-ICE agitator connected to the incident that disrupted worship and forced congregants, including women and children, to flee the sanctuary.

According to the announcement, Kelly is currently in federal custody as investigators continue reviewing evidence tied to the organized disruption of the church service.

Federal authorities have already confirmed multiple arrests related to the incident. Officials have stated that houses of worship are protected under federal law and that coordinated interference with religious services will be treated as a criminal matter.

The Department of Justice has not yet released detailed charging documents related to the third arrest. However, officials have indicated the investigation remains active and additional information will be released as proceedings move forward.

Federal authorities have arrested multiple individuals connected to the invasion of a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed this week.

The arrests followed a protest that escalated into a direct disruption of worship at Cities Church. Activists entered the sanctuary, shouted slogans, and halted the service. Shortly afterward, video of the incident spread online, showing congregants visibly shaken as protesters chanted and refused to leave.

Federal Officials Identify Organizers

Bondi said those taken into custody helped organize and carry out the intrusion. She stressed that federal law protects houses of worship and draws a clear boundary against interference. As a result, deliberately disrupting a religious service crosses a defined legal line.

“This was not peaceful protest,” Bondi stated. “This was an unlawful invasion of a church during worship.”

Church Targeted Over Pastor’s Federal Role

Federal officials say protesters targeted the church because one of its pastors also serves as a federal immigration officer. However, authorities emphasized that this connection does not justify interference with religious services. It also does not excuse intimidation of worshippers.

Protest Activity Crosses Legal Boundaries

The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in Minnesota following continued protests against immigration enforcement operations. While demonstrators claimed they exercised political expression, law enforcement officials say the conduct exceeded lawful protest. Instead, they argue the actions crossed into disruption and coercion.

Religious Leaders Condemn the Incident

Church leaders denounced the invasion and called it a violation of religious freedom. In addition, they described the disruption as a deliberate attempt to intimidate families during worship. During the incident, some congregants left the service out of fear.

Investigation Continues as Review Expands

Bondi confirmed that investigators remain active on the case. Consequently, authorities may pursue additional arrests or charges. Investigators continue reviewing video footage and examining coordination among those involved.

Broader Debate Over Protest Limits

Ultimately, the case has renewed debate over protest boundaries. It has also raised questions about selective enforcement when political activism turns disruptive. Federal officials say the message remains clear: political grievances do not override the right to worship without interference.

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