Full Breakdown
Charges Dropped Against Protester at St. Paul’s Cities Church Easter Demonstration
4/7/2026, 9:41:16 AM
Overview of the Incident
On Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023, a protest occurred outside Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, leading to the arrest of a woman identified as Emily Phillips, 34, from Stevens Point, Wisconsin. The St. Paul Police Department reported that Phillips was arrested for "interference with religious observance" after she and a group of protesters disrupted the church service by using a blowhorn and yelling loudly around 8:35 a.m. Officers, who were working contracted overtime at the church, warned the protesters to cease their actions or face citations and possible arrest. Most complied, but Phillips did not, resulting in her arrest.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Following her arrest, Phillips was charged with four misdemeanors related to her behavior outside the church. However, during a court appearance on April 10, 2023, a judge dismissed the charges due to a lack of probable cause. Phillips expressed relief upon her release, stating, "I'm out and the charges have been dismissed … let's go."
Background Context
The Easter protest was not an isolated incident; it followed a significant disruption at Cities Church on January 18, 2023. During that protest, approximately 30 to 40 demonstrators interrupted a service, demanding the resignation of Pastor David Easterwood, who serves as the acting director of the ICE field office in St. Paul. This earlier protest led to federal charges against multiple demonstrators and journalists, including former CNN anchor Don Lemon and local reporter Georgia Fort, for allegedly violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.
Official Statements & Responses
The St. Paul Police Department stated that their officers were present to maintain order during the Easter service and that they had issued multiple warnings to the protesters. The police emphasized that interference with religious observance is treated seriously under Minnesota law, which classifies such actions as misdemeanors or gross misdemeanors.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the police response argue that the arrests and charges against protesters infringe upon their rights to free speech and assembly. Legal experts have noted that the application of the FACE Act in this context may lack precedent, suggesting that the charges against demonstrators could be difficult to uphold in court.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the police reported that Phillips was arrested for disrupting the service, it remains unclear if her actions were directly linked to the earlier January protest. Additionally, the identities of other protesters present during the Easter demonstration have not been disclosed, leaving gaps in understanding the full scope of the event.
What's Next
As the legal proceedings continue regarding the January protest, the implications of the Easter incident may also unfold, particularly concerning the rights of protesters and the enforcement of local noise ordinances. The St. Paul Police Department has not indicated whether they will pursue further charges against Phillips or any other individuals involved in the Easter protest.
