February 27, 2026 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT TRUE NORTH LEGAL: https://truenorthlegal.org/contact/media-inquiry

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – True North Legal Director of Litigation Doug Wardlow representing Cities Church in St. Paul issued the following statement after the return of a superseding indictment charging 30 additional individuals who were involved in the invasion of Cities Church in St. Paul on January 18, many of whom were arrested this morning.

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

“The indictment of 30 additional people for their involvement in the invasion of Cities Church sends a clear message: houses of worship are off limits for those who would use chaos and intimidation to advance a political agenda.

“The invasion of Cities Church was a planned, coordinated effort to disrupt a worship service and interfere with religious exercise that placed congregants, including children, in fear for their lives.  The First Amendment does not give anyone—regardless of profession, prominence, or politics—license to storm a church and intimidate, threaten, and terrorize families and children worshipping inside.  

“Cities Church is grateful for the Department of Justice’s continued commitment to enforcing federal law to protect churches and other places of worship. The Department’s aggressive prosecution of this case affirms a foundational principle: in the United States, the sanctuary remains a sanctuary.”

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.