The recent arrests tied to the disruption of a church service in St. Paul have unfolded quickly, with organizers and vocal participants now facing consequences; this piece walks through the latest arrests, the public taunts that preceded them, and why confrontational tactics at houses of worship crossed a line. Expect clear reporting on who was identified, what they said and did, and how authorities and officials responded amid tense rhetoric and social media posts.
Law enforcement moved deliberately after video evidence surfaced showing protesters interrupting a church service in St. Paul last weekend. Two people were initially detained after the incident, and authorities have kept pressing the investigation as more footage and comments came to light. The public reaction has been sharp, with officials emphasizing protection for places of worship and the rule of law.
One of the individuals identified in reporting was Nekima Levy Armstrong, who prosecutors say played a significant role in organizing the disruption. Her name came up in multiple accounts of the incident, and her presence at the event raised questions about coordination. Authorities assessed her involvement alongside other participants to determine whether criminal charges fit the conduct captured on video.
We will share more updates as they become available.
Listen loud and clear: WE DO NOT TOLERATE ATTACKS ON PLACES OF WORSHIP.
Another person named in coverage was Chauntyll Louisa Allen, who, like others, was linked to the disruption of the service. Officials say the group did more than simply attend; their actions and chants interrupted worship and prompted immediate security concerns. That kind of behavior in a sacred setting prompted swift condemnation from community leaders and law enforcement.
As investigators continued to review footage, a third person came into focus — William Kelly — a vocal agitator during the protest who drew particular attention. Kelly was filmed loudly confronting congregants and making provocative statements toward the people inside the church. His on-camera behavior and subsequent posts on social platforms put him at the center of the probe.
After the videos circulated, officials confirmed that Kelly is now in custody. The law-enforcement message accompanying the announcement stressed the historical importance of religious freedom in America. Authorities framed the arrests as a defense of pastors, churches, and the rights of Americans to worship without intimidation.
UPDATE: William Kelly is now in custody.
Our nation was settled and founded by people fleeing religious persecution. Religious freedom is the bedrock of this country.
We will protect our pastors. We will protect our churches. We will protect Americans of faith.
Kelly openly challenged officials before his arrest, taunting that they should “Come and get me” and in other footage saying, “So be it.” He posted clips of his time at the church, labeling attendees “pretend Christians” and “comfortable white people,” and later called them “white supremacists.” Those remarks, combined with the video showing aggressive interruption of service, undercut any claim that the group merely participated in worship.
Authorities and many onlookers saw a clear line crossed when protesters used the sanctity of a service as a stage for political theater. Videos show chanting of well-known slogans and the shouting of names tied to unrelated controversies, which amplified tensions inside the congregation. For many, this was not protected expression but a direct disruption of a religious gathering.
Coverage also noted a range of explicit comments tied to the episode. One report quoted Kelly using the phrase “Come and get me, you traitorous bitch” in a separate video clip, a line that contributed to the decision to pursue custody. Graphic or threatening language aimed at officials or private citizens rarely helps a defendant’s case and often bolsters prosecutorial interest in criminal charges for intimidation or related offenses.
Fox News’ Bill Melugin reported that Kelly had previously in a video, “Come and get me, you traitorous bitch.” That string of public statements became part of the evidentiary picture investigators used to justify taking enforcement action. For Republicans and others who prioritize law and order, the episode reinforced concerns about political activism that escalates into harassment and potential legal violations.
Defense arguments from participants downplayed the scale of the disruption, with some saying they “participated in the service” or did not enter forcefully. But multiple angles of video footage and eyewitness accounts create a tougher narrative for that defense to overcome. Prosecutors will weigh the recordings and statements to decide on appropriate charges and whether the conduct meets standards for criminal prosecution.
These developments serve as a reminder that protests near worship services can carry legal and social consequences when they cross into interference. Officials have signaled a firm stance on protecting religious freedom and safety, and the arrests underscore the point that rhetoric and conduct have real-world implications. Public scrutiny will continue as the cases move forward and more information becomes public.
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