The final three individuals arrested following a disruptive protest at a St. Paul church have been released from federal custody, raising questions about the handling of the case.
William Kelly, a prominent and often controversial leftist activist, was the last to be released after a federal magistrate judge determined there was no justification for holding him before trial. He had been charged with conspiracy to deprive rights and violating the FACE Act, federal offenses stemming from the incident.
Kelly’s arrest followed a scene of intense confrontation within Cities Church on Sunday, an event livestreamed by Don Lemon. He aggressively challenged parishioners and interrupted the pastor during the service, actions that reportedly terrified those present, including children.
Following his release, Kelly openly defied potential repercussions, directing a string of expletive-laden insults towards Pam Bondi, a former Attorney General, and labeling those he protested as “Nazis.” He justified his actions by comparing them to Jesus’s actions in the Temple.
The judge’s decision to release Kelly came despite a senior Department of Justice official reportedly labeling him a “domestic terrorist.” The magistrate, however, maintained that the evidence did not support pretrial detention.
Nekima Armstrong and Chauntyll Allen, the other two protestors involved, were also granted release by US District Judge Laura Provinzino, a Biden appointee. The judge cited a lack of evidence suggesting they posed a significant flight risk.
The incident at Cities Church involved a forceful interruption of a religious service, with protestors confronting attendees and the pastor. The releases of all three individuals have sparked debate about the balance between freedom of expression and the protection of religious gatherings.
