Black Lives Matter Leader Arrested After Church Disruption
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the arrest of Chauntyll Louisa Allen, a prominent Black Lives Matter activist and member of the St. Paul Public Schools Board of Education. Allen was charged in connection with a protest that disrupted a Sunday service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. The incident has sparked national attention, drawing scrutiny from both supporters and critics.
What Happened at Cities Church
The protest occurred on January 18, when a group of anti-ICE demonstrators entered Cities Church during a Sunday service. The group believed one of the church’s pastors shared the same name as the acting director of ICE’s St. Paul field office. Protesters were reacting to the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer earlier in January, which they described as a tragic and avoidable loss.
Organizers Defend the Protest
Allen co-organized the event alongside activist Nekima Levy Armstrong and others affiliated with Black Lives Matter Minnesota and the Racial Justice Network. In media statements, Allen defended the disruption, saying it was necessary to draw attention to alleged ICE misconduct and to amplify the voices of affected families. She stated she did not regret the action, framing it as a form of urgent protest.
Federal Authorities Move In
Federal authorities, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and FBI agents, executed Allen’s arrest under the direction of Attorney General Pam Bondi. She was charged under 18 U.S.C. § 241 for conspiracy against rights, which includes allegations of interfering with the free exercise of religion. A similar charge has been filed against Nekima Levy Armstrong under the FACE Act. The Department of Justice launched an investigation following the church disruption, which officials have labeled the “St. Paul church riots.”
New Arrest: William Kelly in Custody
In a related development, William Kelly has also been arrested and perp-walked in connection with the incident. Kelly is now in federal custody as authorities continue their investigation. Details about his role and the specific charges have not yet been fully released, but his arrest indicates the federal probe is expanding beyond the initial organizers.
Evidence Released by DHS
DHS released images showing Allen wearing a black beanie, glasses, and a hoodie with “POLO” in red letters, escorted in handcuffs by HSI officers. Video footage shows her being guided into a facility, surrounded by agents in tactical gear. The images highlight the seriousness of the federal response and have fueled further public debate.
Potential Penalties and Public Reaction
If convicted, Allen could face up to 10 years in federal prison. Reactions remain divided: supporters argue the protest was a necessary response to alleged ICE abuses, while critics say the disruption violated the rights of worshippers and crossed a legal line. The case continues to raise questions about protest tactics, public safety, and the balance between civil disobedience and religious freedom.
Watch the video of Chauntyll Louisa Allen’s arrest below:
Watch the video from a few days ago of the church incident below:
