‍TRUE NORTH LEGAL STATEMENT
January 22, 2026 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT TRUE NORTH LEGAL: https://truenorthlegal.org/contact/media-inquiry

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Attorneys representing Cities Church in St. Paul issued the following statements in response to the United States Department of Justice arresting persons involved in the invasion of Cities Church. True North Legal attorneys Renee Carlson and Doug Wardlow were retained following the January 18 disruption of a church worship service by a group of activists, which included a former CNN television host and a member of the St. Paul School Board.

Statement from Renee Carlson, General Counsel for True North Legal:

“The Constitution and federal law protect people who gather in peace to worship God, which was exactly what Cities Church was doing January 18. Families go to church for hope, not fear. I know from personal experience that Cities Church is about loving its neighbors and serving the city. The church’s actions speak louder than the words of the people who shattered the peace of the church. The First Amendment does not allow premeditated plots or coordinated actions to violate the sanctity of a sanctuary, disrupt worship, and intimidate small children. There is no ‘press pass’ to invade a sanctuary or to conspire to interrupt religious services. The Constitution protects citizens from threats against fundamental rights by the government, but it also requires government to protect those same rights when they are jeopardized by private actors. True North Legal is proud to represent Cities Church and is grateful that the Justice Department for taking violations of religious liberty seriously.”

Statement from Doug Wardlow, Director of Litigation for True North Legal:

“The First Amendment protects the God-given rights of every American to assemble and to worship God. It does not give anyone the right to invade a church and terrorize worshippers. That’s a federal crime: the FACE Act prohibits intimidating or interfering with people worshipping in a church. It is outrageous that, instead of doing their jobs and protecting Minnesotans’ rights, state officials like Keith Ellison choose to mock the invasion of a church.  Thankfully, the U.S. Department of Justice acted decisively by arresting those who coordinated and carried out the terrible crime. The arrests and the prosecutions to follow will help ensure that mob aggression like Cities Church experienced will not be repeated in any other house of worship. We are thankful for the Justice Department’s swift action, and we are exploring all legal options to protect the church and prevent further invasions.”

True North Legal is a public interest legal organization dedicated to defending life, family, and religious freedom in Minnesota. It is an initiative of Minnesota Family Institute.