<div class="css-17ih8de interactive-body"><style> .g-doc-page_paper:not(.g-doc-page_html) { padding-top: 130.86930810171495%; } </style> <div class="g-graphic"> <div class="g-doc-wrapper g-ocr-ready"> <div class="g-item g-document"> <div class="g-doc-page_wrapper"> <div class="g-doc-page_container"> <div class="g-doc-page g-doc-page_image" data-hasannotations="false" id="page-1"> <div class="g-doc-page_inner clearfix"> <div class="g-doc-page_paper doc-shell"> <img alt="Page 1 of 19" aria-describedby="page-1-text" class="g-doc-image lazyload" data-src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/1/output-1.png" height="2213" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png" width="1691"/> <noscript> <img alt="Page 1 of 19" aria-describedby="page-1-text" class="g-doc-image" height="2213" src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/1/output-1.png" width="1691"/> </noscript> <p class="g-doc-text" id="page-1-text">CASE 0:26-cr-00025-LMP-DLM Doc. 144 Filed 02/26/26 Page 1 of 19 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF MINNESOTA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, V. Plaintiff, 1. NEKIMA VALDEZ LEVY ARMSTRONG, a/k/a "Nekima Valdez Levy Pounds," 2. CHAUNTYLL LOUISA ALLEN, 3. WILLIAM SCOTT KELLY, a/k/a "DaWoke Farmer," 4. DON RENALDO LEMON, 5. JEROME DEANGELO RICHARDSON, a/k/a "Jerome Deangelo Treadwell," 6. JAMAEL LYDELL LUNDY, 7. TRAHERN JEEN CREWS, 8. GEORGIA ELLYSE FORT, 9. IAN DAVIS AUSTIN, 10. AZIZA MOHAMMED ABOUD, 11. MAX RICHARD ADAMSON, 12. MICHAEL WALKER BEUTE, 13. EZRA CHAIM PYE BLUMENFELD, 14. SHANE RYAN BOLLMAN, 15. KELLY ANN CAREY, 16. MONIQUE CASSANDRA CULLARS-DOTY, 17. TIFFANY LYNN DUNLAP, 18. ANDREW JARED EDWARDS, 19. RACHEL ROSE GOLIGOSKI, 20. AMELIA CRISTIN HANSA, 21. ARIEL HAUPTMAN, 22. KRISTA ERIN HOGAN, 23. HEATHER DANAE LEWIS, 24. DANIELLE ANDREA MATTHIAS, 25. CATIE ANNE MICHAELSON, 26. ERIC RYAN MICHAELSON, 27. DAVID ANTHONY OKAR, 28. JARMEL JAMES PERRY, ) No. 0:26-cr-25-LMP-DLM ) SUPERSEDING ) ) INDICTMENT 18 U.S.C. § 241 18 U.S.C. § 248(a)(2), § 2(a) SCANNED FEB 26 2026 U.S. DISTRICT COURT MPLS пред</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="g-doc-page g-doc-page_image" data-hasannotations="false" id="page-2"> <div class="g-doc-page_inner clearfix"> <div class="g-doc-page_paper doc-shell"> <img alt="Page 2 of 19" aria-describedby="page-2-text" class="g-doc-image lazyload" data-src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/2/output-2.png" height="2216" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png" width="1688"/> <noscript> <img alt="Page 2 of 19" aria-describedby="page-2-text" class="g-doc-image" height="2216" src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/2/output-2.png" width="1688"/> </noscript> <p class="g-doc-text" id="page-2-text">CASE 0:26-cr-00025-LMP-DLM Doc. 144 Filed 02/26/26 Page 2 of 19 29. CHERYL ANN PERSIGEHL, 30. EMMAR MONIKE PINEDA- MORENO, 31. SPENCER MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ- BOCANEGRA, 32. KATHERINE ELIZABETH SHAW, ) 33. SATARA DIANN STRONG ALLEN, 34. CHARLES LEE SWENSON, 35. ROBYN ELISE SWENSON, 36. THOMAS MATTHEW TIER, 37. LEE ELIZABETH WIEDEMAN TUGGLE, 38. JOHN DONALD VERGIN, and 39. MARK DAVID WEINFURTER, Defendants. The Grand Jury charges that: INTRODUCTORY ALLEGATIONS At all times relevant to this Superseding Indictment: 1. The Cities Church ("the Church") is a Christian house of worship located in St. Paul, Minnesota. 2. On the morning of Sunday, January 18, 2026, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the Church's pastor was leading the congregation in a liturgical service. In the service, the Church's pastor and congregation were then exercising and seeking to exercise the First Amendment right of religious freedom at a place of religious worship, a right that is also protected by a federal statute codified at Title 18, United States Code, Section 248. 2</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="g-doc-page g-doc-page_image" data-hasannotations="false" id="page-3"> <div class="g-doc-page_inner clearfix"> <div class="g-doc-page_paper doc-shell"> <img alt="Page 3 of 19" aria-describedby="page-3-text" class="g-doc-image lazyload" data-src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/3/output-3.png" height="2213" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png" width="1688"/> <noscript> <img alt="Page 3 of 19" aria-describedby="page-3-text" class="g-doc-image" height="2213" src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/3/output-3.png" width="1688"/> </noscript> <p class="g-doc-text" id="page-3-text">CASE 0:26-cr-00025-LMP-DLM Doc. 144 Filed 02/26/26 Page 3 of 19 3. After the service commenced, a group of approximately 40 agitators, including all of the defendants named in this Indictment, entered the Church in a coordinated takeover-style attack and engaged in acts of oppression, intimidation, threats, interference, and physical obstruction alleged herein. 4. As a result of defendants' conduct, the pastor and congregation were forced to terminate the Church's worship service, congregants fled the Church building out of fear for their safety, other congregants took steps to implement an emergency plan, and young children were left to wonder, as one child put it, if their parents were going to die. COUNT ONE [18 U.S.C. § 241-ALL DEFENDANTS] [Conspiracy Against Right of Religious Freedom at Place of Worship] 5. The allegations set forth above in Paragraphs 1 through 4 of this Superseding Indictment are realleged and incorporated herein by reference. A. OBJECT OF THE CONSPIRACY 6. Beginning on or about January 17, 2026, and continuing to on or about January 18, 2026, in the State and District of Minnesota, defendants NEKIMA VALDEZ LEVY ARMSTRONG, CHAUNTYLL LOUISA ALLEN, WILLIAM SCOTT KELLY, DON RENALDO LEMON, JEROME DEANGELO RICHARDSON, JAMAEL LYDELL LUNDY, 3</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="g-doc-page g-doc-page_image" data-hasannotations="false" id="page-4"> <div class="g-doc-page_inner clearfix"> <div class="g-doc-page_paper doc-shell"> <img alt="Page 4 of 19" aria-describedby="page-4-text" class="g-doc-image lazyload" data-src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/4/output-4.png" height="2212" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png" width="1688"/> <noscript> <img alt="Page 4 of 19" aria-describedby="page-4-text" class="g-doc-image" height="2212" src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/4/output-4.png" width="1688"/> </noscript> <p class="g-doc-text" id="page-4-text">CASE 0:26-cr-00025-LMP-DLM Doc. 144 Filed 02/26/26 Page 4 of 19 TRAHERN JEEN CREWS, GEORGIA ELLYSE FORT, IAN DAVIS AUSTIN, AZIZA MOHAMMED ABOUD, MAX RICHARD ADAMSON, MICHAEL WALKER BEUTE, EZRA CHAIM PYE BLUMENFELD, SHANE RYAN BOLLMAN, KELLY ANN CAREY, MONIQUE CASSANDRA CULLARS-DOTY ("DOTY"), TIFFANY LYNN DUNLAP, ANDREW JARED EDWARDS, RACHEL ROSE GOLIGOSKI, AMELIA CRISTIN HANSA, ARIEL HAUPTMAN, KRISTA ERIN HOGAN, HEATHER DANAE LEWIS, DANIELLE ANDREA MATTHIAS, CATIE ANNE MICHAELSON ("C. MICHAELSON"), ERIC RYAN MICHAELSON ("E. MICHAELSON"), DAVID ANTHONY OKAR, JARMEL JAMES PERRY, CHERYL ANN PERSIGEHL, EMMAR MONIKE PINEDA-MORENO ("PINEDA"), SPENCER MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ-BOCANEGRA ("RODRIGUEZ”), KATHERINE ELIZABETH SHAW, SATARA DIANN STRONG ALLEN ("STRONG"), CHARLES LEE SWENSON ("C. SWENSON"), ROBYN ELISE SWENSON ("R. SWENSON"), THOMAS MATTHEW TIER, LEE ELIZABETH WIEDEMAN TUGGLE, JOHN DONALD VERGIN, and MARK DAVID WEINFURTER conspired and agreed with one another to oppress, threaten, and intimidate multiple persons, including the clergy, staff, and congregants of the Cities Church, in the free exercise and enjoyment of the rights and privileges secured</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="g-doc-page g-doc-page_image" data-hasannotations="false" id="page-5"> <div class="g-doc-page_inner clearfix"> <div class="g-doc-page_paper doc-shell"> <img alt="Page 5 of 19" aria-describedby="page-5-text" class="g-doc-image lazyload" data-src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/5/output-5.png" height="2219" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png" width="1688"/> <noscript> <img alt="Page 5 of 19" aria-describedby="page-5-text" class="g-doc-image" height="2219" src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/5/output-5.png" width="1688"/> </noscript> <p class="g-doc-text" id="page-5-text">CASE 0:26-cr-00025-LMP-DLM Doc. 144 Filed 02/26/26 Page 5 of 19 to them by the laws of the United States, and because of such persons having exercised such rights, namely, exercise of the First Amendment right of religious freedom at a place of religious worship, as secured by Title 18, United States Code, Section 248(c), all in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights). B. MANNER AND MEANS 7. In order to achieve the object of the conspiracy: a. Defendants ARMSTRONG, ALLEN, STRONG, and DOTY, along with other persons, organized the operation targeting the Church, which they dubbed "Operation Pullup," and promoted it on the internet via Instagram and Facebook accounts. b. Defendants met at a shopping center for a pre-operation briefing, during which ARMSTRONG and ALLEN advised other co- conspirators, including ABOUD, ADAMSON, AUSTIN, BEUTE, BLUMENFELD, BOLLMAN, CAREY, CREWS, DUNLAP, EDWARDS, PERSIGEHL, FORT, GOLIGOSKI, HANSA, HAUPTMAN, HOGAN, KELLY, LEMON, LEWIS, LUNDY, MATTHIAS, C. MICHAELSON, E. MICHAELSON, OKAR, RICHARDSON, RODRIGUEZ, SHAW, STRONG, C. SWENSON, R. SWENSON, TIER, TUGGLE, VERGIN, and WEINFURTER, about the target of their operation (i.e., Cities Church) and provided instruction on how the operation would be conducted once they arrived at the Church. 5</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="g-doc-page g-doc-page_image" data-hasannotations="false" id="page-6"> <div class="g-doc-page_inner clearfix"> <div class="g-doc-page_paper doc-shell"> <img alt="Page 6 of 19" aria-describedby="page-6-text" class="g-doc-image lazyload" data-src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/6/output-6.png" height="2213" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png" width="1688"/> <noscript> <img alt="Page 6 of 19" aria-describedby="page-6-text" class="g-doc-image" height="2213" src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/6/output-6.png" width="1688"/> </noscript> <p class="g-doc-text" id="page-6-text">CASE 0:26-cr-00025-LMP-DLM Doc. 144 Filed 02/26/26 Page 6 of 19 Once at the Church, all of the defendants entered the Church to conduct a takeover-style attack and engaged in various acts in furtherance of the conspiracy. C. OVERT ACTS 8. In furtherance of the conspiracy and to accomplish the object thereof, defendants ABOUD, ADAMSON, ALLEN, ARMSTRONG, AUSTIN, BEUTE, BLUMENFELD, BOLLMAN, CAREY, CREWS, DOTY, DUNLAP, EDWARDS, FORT, GOLIGOSKI, HANSA, HAUPTMAN, HOGAN, KELLY, LEMON, LEWIS, LUNDY, MATTHIAS, C. MICHAELSON, E. MICHAELSON, OKAR, PINEDA, PERRY, PERSIGEHL, RICHARDSON, RODRIGUEZ, SHAW, STRONG, C. SWENSON, R. SWENSON, TIER, TUGGLE, VERGIN, and WEINFURTER committed various overt acts, including, but not limited to, the following: Overt Act # 1: On January 17, 2026, defendant ARMSTRONG received text messages from a local news correspondent in Minnesota advising her that a named Immigration and Customs Enforcement ("ICE") (who he referred to as "the local ICE overseer") "is a pastor at [Cities Church]," a fact that ARMSTRONG deemed "outrageous." Overt Act #2: On January 17, 2026, defendant ARMSTRONG used her cellphone to conduct various internet searches regarding the ICE officer named by the local news correspondent and searched "midway cub," the meeting 6</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="g-doc-page g-doc-page_image" data-hasannotations="false" id="page-7"> <div class="g-doc-page_inner clearfix"> <div class="g-doc-page_paper doc-shell"> <img alt="Page 7 of 19" aria-describedby="page-7-text" class="g-doc-image lazyload" data-src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/7/output-7.png" height="2212" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png" width="1688"/> <noscript> <img alt="Page 7 of 19" aria-describedby="page-7-text" class="g-doc-image" height="2212" src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/7/output-7.png" width="1688"/> </noscript> <p class="g-doc-text" id="page-7-text">CASE 0:26-cr-00025-LMP-DLM Doc. 144 Filed 02/26/26 Page 7 of 19 location that was used the following day for the pre-operation briefing for the attack on Cities Church. Overt Act #3: On January 17, 2026, defendants ALLEN and STRONG conducted reconnaissance around the Cities Church in preparation for the next day's takeover operation at the Church and made a video documenting their observations, including the location of parking areas, where they could "pull up," and ALLEN noting that "my thoughts are to be able to clog up this whole alleyway right here." Overt Act #4: On January 17, 2026, defendant ALLEN sent her reconnaissance video via text message to defendant ARMSTRONG for her use in preparing for the takeover operation against the Church. Overt Act #5: On January 17, 2026, defendants ARMSTRONG, ALLEN, and DOTY exchanged text messages regarding the contemplated operation against the Church and whether members of the Church would be able to see their approach to the building. Overt Act #6: On January 17, 2026, defendant ARMSTRONG prepared a flyer advertising an anti-ICE action dubbed "Operation PullUp" and telling fellow agitators where to meet to prepare for the operation, and exhorting them to "be ready to mobilize," and she posted the flyer on two Instagram accounts. controlled by her, "@nekimal" and "@racialjusticemn." 7</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="g-doc-page g-doc-page_image" data-hasannotations="false" id="page-8"> <div class="g-doc-page_inner clearfix"> <div class="g-doc-page_paper doc-shell"> <img alt="Page 8 of 19" aria-describedby="page-8-text" class="g-doc-image lazyload" data-src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/8/output-8.png" height="2216" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png" width="1688"/> <noscript> <img alt="Page 8 of 19" aria-describedby="page-8-text" class="g-doc-image" height="2216" src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/8/output-8.png" width="1688"/> </noscript> <p class="g-doc-text" id="page-8-text">CASE 0:26-cr-00025-LMP-DLM Doc. 144 Filed 02/26/26 Page 8 of 19 Overt Act #7: On January 17, 2026, defendant ALLEN posted a similar flyer on her personal Instagram account, "@chauntyll." Overt Act #8: On January 17, 2026, defendant DOTY posted the flyer on her personal Facebook account. Overt Act #9: On January 17, 2026, defendant EDWARDS shared the flyer on his personal Facebook account. Overt Act # 10: On January 17, 2026, defendant OKAR shared the flyer on his personal Facebook account. Overt Act #11: On January 17, 2026, defendant PERRY shared the flyer on his personal Facebook account. Overt Act # 12: On January 17, 2026, defendant ARMSTRONG exchanged text messages with a person who advised her of defendant LEMON's plan to travel to Minneapolis for the Operation Pull Up action. Overt Act #13: On the morning of January 18, 2026, defendants ABOUD, ADAMSON, AUSTIN, BEUTE, BLUMENFELD, BOLLMAN, CAREY, CREWS, DUNLAP, EDWARDS, FORT, GOLIGOSKI, HANSA, HAUPTMAN, HOGAN, KELLY, LEMON, LEWIS, LUNDY, MATTHIAS, C. MICHAELSON, E. MICHAELSON, OKAR, PERSIGEHL, RICHARDSON, RODRIGUEZ, SHAW, STRONG, C. SWENSON, R. SWENSON, TIER, TUGGLE, VERGIN, and WEINFURTER, together with others, gathered for a 80</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="g-doc-page g-doc-page_image" data-hasannotations="false" id="page-9"> <div class="g-doc-page_inner clearfix"> <div class="g-doc-page_paper doc-shell"> <img alt="Page 9 of 19" aria-describedby="page-9-text" class="g-doc-image lazyload" data-src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/9/output-9.png" height="2213" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png" width="1688"/> <noscript> <img alt="Page 9 of 19" aria-describedby="page-9-text" class="g-doc-image" height="2213" src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/9/output-9.png" width="1688"/> </noscript> <p class="g-doc-text" id="page-9-text">CASE 0:26-cr-00025-LMP-DLM Doc. 144 Filed 02/26/26 Page 9 of 19 pre-operation briefing led by defendants ARMSTRONG and ALLEN at the parking lot of Cub Foods, at 1440 University Avenue W., St Paul, MN 55104. Overt Act #14: At the pre-operation briefing, defendants ARMSTRONG and ALLEN advised other co-conspirators about the target of their operation (i.e., Cities Church) and provided instruction on how the operation would be conducted once they arrived at the Church. Overt Act #15: On the morning of January 18, 2026, defendant LEMON began livestreaming on his internet-based show, "The DonLemonShow," where he explained to his audience that he was in Minnesota with an organization that was gearing up for a "resistance" operation against the Federal Government's immigration policies, and he took steps to maintain operational secrecy by reminding certain co-conspirators to not disclose the target of the operation and stepped away momentarily so his microphone would not accidentally divulge certain portions of the planning session. Overt Act #16: During a discussion with defendant ARMSTRONG at the pre-op briefing, (a) defendant LEMON thanked defendant ARMSTRONG for what she was doing and assured her he was "not saying... what's going on" (i.e., was not disclosing the target of the operation); (b) defendant ARMSTRONG explained that "Operation Pullup" was a "clandestine" operation in which she and other agitators would "show up somewhere that is a key location, [where the targets] don't expect us and we disrupt business 9</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="g-doc-page g-doc-page_image" data-hasannotations="false" id="page-10"> <div class="g-doc-page_inner clearfix"> <div class="g-doc-page_paper doc-shell"> <img alt="Page 10 of 19" aria-describedby="page-10-text" class="g-doc-image lazyload" data-src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/10/output-10.png" height="2213" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png" width="1688"/> <noscript> <img alt="Page 10 of 19" aria-describedby="page-10-text" class="g-doc-image" height="2213" src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/10/output-10.png" width="1688"/> </noscript> <p class="g-doc-text" id="page-10-text">CASE 0:26-cr-00025-LMP-DLM Doc. 144 Filed 02/26/26 Page 10 of 19 as usual. That's what we're about to go do right now."; and (c) defendant LEMON said he would see her there. Overt Act #17: Before heading to the Church to join his co-conspirators, defendant LEMON advised his livestream audience, "We're going to head to the operation. Again, we're not going to give any, any of the information away" (i.e., operational details that would disclose where he and his co-conspirators were heading). Overt Act #18: At the pre-op briefing, defendant ALLEN (a) led other co-conspirators in chants that they would use at the Church, including, "This is what community looks like" and "ICE out of Minnesota"; (b) urged her co- conspirators they have a "duty to fight for our freedom" and "a duty to win"; (c) directed her co-conspirators, as the group prepared to head toward the church, to "stay bumper-to-bumper, make sure everybody gets through the light"; and (d) confirmed that everyone "ha[d] the address." Overt Act # 19: At the pre-op briefing, defendant ARMSTRONG provided instruction and operational guidance to her co-conspirators, including the following: (a) the "first wave" of agitators should enter the Church essentially in an undercover capacity and position themselves around the Church sanctuary; (b) they should not sit together and should not wear "anything that is activist-identifying"; and (c) those who had "anything activism identifying" should wait and come in with the second wave. 10</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="g-doc-page g-doc-page_image" data-hasannotations="false" id="page-11"> <div class="g-doc-page_inner clearfix"> <div class="g-doc-page_paper doc-shell"> <img alt="Page 11 of 19" aria-describedby="page-11-text" class="g-doc-image lazyload" data-src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/11/output-11.png" height="2212" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png" width="1688"/> <noscript> <img alt="Page 11 of 19" aria-describedby="page-11-text" class="g-doc-image" height="2212" src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/11/output-11.png" width="1688"/> </noscript> <p class="g-doc-text" id="page-11-text">CASE 0:26-cr-00025-LMP-DLM Doc. 144 Filed 02/26/26 Page 11 of 19 Overt Act #20: Continuing on the morning of January 18, 2026, defendants traveled to the Church to engage in the planned takeover-style operation. Overt Act #21: While enroute to the Church, defendant RICHARDSON told defendant LEMON that they had to "catch up" to the others, and defendant LEMON replied, "Let's go, catch up"; and, because he was still livestreaming, LEMON instructed RICHARDSON and BEUTE, "Don't give anything away" (i.e., don't divulge information about the operation), and advised his audience, "We can't say too much. We don't want to give it up." Overt Act # 22: While in his vehicle, defendant LEMON mentioned to defendants RICHARDSON and BEUTE, "I don't think we can go ahead. I don't think we can go inside, right?" and then answered his own question "No, no, no," but defendants LEMON, RICHARDSON, and BEUTE nonetheless entered the Church shortly thereafter and joined his co-conspirators in the operation against the Church. Overt Act # 23: Continuing on the morning of January 18, 2026, all of the defendants entered the Church sanctuary, with the first wave positioning themselves among the congregants, and the second wave led by defendants ARMSTRONG and ALLEN, commencing the disruptive takeover operation, in which the first wave of agitators then actively joined. 11</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="g-doc-page g-doc-page_image" data-hasannotations="false" id="page-12"> <div class="g-doc-page_inner clearfix"> <div class="g-doc-page_paper doc-shell"> <img alt="Page 12 of 19" aria-describedby="page-12-text" class="g-doc-image lazyload" data-src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/12/output-12.png" height="2213" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png" width="1688"/> <noscript> <img alt="Page 12 of 19" aria-describedby="page-12-text" class="g-doc-image" height="2213" src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/12/output-12.png" width="1688"/> </noscript> <p class="g-doc-text" id="page-12-text">CASE 0:26-cr-00025-LMP-DLM Doc. 144 Filed 02/26/26 Page 12 of 19 Overt Act # 24: As the pastor was beginning his sermon, defendant ARMSTRONG interrupted the service with loud declarations about the Church harboring a "Director of ICE" and indicating that the time for Judgment had come, and other defendants immediately joined in by yelling. and blowing whistles in a takeover attack on the Church, all of which quickly caused the situation in the Church to become chaotic, menacing, and traumatizing to Church members. Overt Act # 25: While inside the Church, defendants ABOUD, ADAMSON, ALLEN, ARMSTRONG, AUSTIN, BLUMENFELD, CAREY, CREWS, DOTY, DUNLAP, EDWARDS, GOLIGOSKI, HANSA, HAUPTMAN, HOGAN, KELLY, LEWIS, LUNDY, MATTHIAS, C. MICHAELSON, E. MICHAELSON, PERRY, PERSIGEHL, PINEDA, RICHARDSON, SHAW, STRONG, C. SWENSON, R. SWENSON, TIER, TUGGLE, VERGIN, and WEINFURTER led and/or joined together in various chants, some of which included "ICE Out!," "Hands Up, Don't Shoot!," and "Stand Up, Fight Back!" and were accompanied by hostile and aggressive gestures, which Church congregants and staff perceived as threats of violence and a potential prelude to a mass shooting. Overt Act # 26: While inside the Church, defendants collectively oppressed, threatened, and intimidated the Church's congregants and pastors, by physically occupying most of the main aisle and rows of chairs near the front 12</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="g-doc-page g-doc-page_image" data-hasannotations="false" id="page-13"> <div class="g-doc-page_inner clearfix"> <div class="g-doc-page_paper doc-shell"> <img alt="Page 13 of 19" aria-describedby="page-13-text" class="g-doc-image lazyload" data-src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/13/output-13.png" height="2208" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png" width="1691"/> <noscript> <img alt="Page 13 of 19" aria-describedby="page-13-text" class="g-doc-image" height="2208" src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/13/output-13.png" width="1691"/> </noscript> <p class="g-doc-text" id="page-13-text">CASE 0:26-cr-00025-LMP-DLM Doc. 144 Filed 02/26/26 Page 13 of 19 of the Church, engaging in menacing and threatening behavior, (for some) chanting and yelling loudly at the pastor and congregants, and/or physically obstructing them as they attempted to exit and/or move about within the Church. Overt Act #27: While inside the Church, defendant AUSTIN stood with other defendants in and around the main aisles in the Church to intimidate the Church members and obstruct and interfere with their freedom of movement, approached the pastor and congregants in a menacing manner, and, near the end of the operation, loudly berated the pastor with questions about Christian nationalism and Christians wanting to have their faith be the law of the land. Overt Act #28: While inside the Church, defendant LUNDY personally participated in the disruptive takeover operation with other defendants by standing in the main aisle with the others and contributing to the physical obstruction and intimidation of the congregants, participating loudly in some of the chants (e.g., one saying that the targeted ICE agent must be "Out! Out!") and punching his fist in the air. Overt Act # 29: While inside the Church, defendant CREWS personally participated in the disruptive takeover operation with other defendants by standing in and around the main aisle with the others and contributing to the 13</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="g-doc-page g-doc-page_image" data-hasannotations="false" id="page-14"> <div class="g-doc-page_inner clearfix"> <div class="g-doc-page_paper doc-shell"> <img alt="Page 14 of 19" aria-describedby="page-14-text" class="g-doc-image lazyload" data-src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/14/output-14.png" height="2211" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png" width="1688"/> <noscript> <img alt="Page 14 of 19" aria-describedby="page-14-text" class="g-doc-image" height="2211" src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/14/output-14.png" width="1688"/> </noscript> <p class="g-doc-text" id="page-14-text">CASE 0:26-cr-00025-LMP-DLM Doc. 144 Filed 02/26/26 Page 14 of 19 physical obstruction and intimidation of the congregants and participating in some of the chants. Overt Act # 30: While inside the Church, defendant KELLY (a) disrupted the service by chanting, "This ain't God's house. This is the house of the devil."; (b) approached one female congregant, who was with two young children, and demanded to know in a hostile manner why she was not involved in and supportive of the takeover operation; and (c) screamed "Nazi" in congregants' faces and asked child congregants, "Do you know your parents are Nazis? They're going to burn in hell." Overt Act #31: While inside the Church, defendant DUNLAP personally participated in the disruptive takeover operation with other defendants by holding up an anti-ICE sign and chanting "ICE Out!" and "We have nothing to lose but our chains!" Overt Act # 32: Defendant LEMON told his livestream audience about congregants leaving the Church and about a "young man" who LEMON could see was "frightened," "scared," and "crying," and LEMON observed that the congregants' reactions were understandable because the experience was "traumatic and uncomfortable," which he said was the purpose. Overt Act # 33: As the operation continued, defendant LEMON tacitly. acknowledged the illegal nature of it by expressing surprise that the police had 14</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="g-doc-page g-doc-page_image" data-hasannotations="false" id="page-15"> <div class="g-doc-page_inner clearfix"> <div class="g-doc-page_paper doc-shell"> <img alt="Page 15 of 19" aria-describedby="page-15-text" class="g-doc-image lazyload" data-src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/15/output-15.png" height="2212" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png" width="1688"/> <noscript> <img alt="Page 15 of 19" aria-describedby="page-15-text" class="g-doc-image" height="2212" src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/15/output-15.png" width="1688"/> </noscript> <p class="g-doc-text" id="page-15-text">CASE 0:26-cr-00025-LMP-DLM Doc. 144 Filed 02/26/26 Page 15 of 19 not yet arrived at the Church and admitting his knowledge that "the whole point of [the operation] is to disrupt." Overt Act # 34: While the takeover operation was underway, defendant LEMON asked defendant ARMSTRONG, "Who is the person that we should talk to? Is there a pastor or something?," and she pointed toward the front of the Church but noted that the pastor "might have run away." Overt Act # 35: With other co-conspirators standing nearby, defendants LEMON, RICHARDSON, FORT, and BEUTE approached the pastor and largely surrounded him (to his front and both sides), stood in close proximity to the pastor in an attempt to oppress and intimidate him, and physically obstructed his freedom of movement while LEMON peppered him with questions to promote the operation's message. Overt Act # 36: While talking with the pastor, defendant LEMON stood so close to the pastor that LEMON caused the pastor's right hand to graze LEMON, who then admonished the pastor, "Please don't push me." Overt Act #37: Although the pastor told defendant LEMON and other defendants to leave the Church, the defendants ignored the pastor's request and did not immediately leave the Church. Overt Act # 38: After causing most of the congregants to flee, some of the defendants engaged in a chant proclaiming, "Who shut this down? We shut this down!" 15</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="g-doc-page g-doc-page_image" data-hasannotations="false" id="page-16"> <div class="g-doc-page_inner clearfix"> <div class="g-doc-page_paper doc-shell"> <img alt="Page 16 of 19" aria-describedby="page-16-text" class="g-doc-image lazyload" data-src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/16/output-16.png" height="2211" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png" width="1688"/> <noscript> <img alt="Page 16 of 19" aria-describedby="page-16-text" class="g-doc-image" height="2211" src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/16/output-16.png" width="1688"/> </noscript> <p class="g-doc-text" id="page-16-text">CASE 0:26-cr-00025-LMP-DLM Doc. 144 Filed 02/26/26 Page 16 of 19 Overt Act # 39: As one congregant reported to responding police officers, some of the agitators blocked the stairs leading to the Church's childcare area and made it difficult and hazardous for parents to retrieve their children, causing some to take alternative routes in or around the Church. Overt Act #40: At one point, defendant LEMON posted himself at the main door of the Church, where he confronted some congregants and physically obstructed them as they tried to exit the Church building to challenge them with "facts" about U.S. immigration policy. Overt Act #41: As a minivan full of congregants, including children, was preparing to depart from the Church, defendant KELLY walked in front of the minivan and angrily yelled at the congregants, and defendants ARMSTRONG and FORT stood in front of the minivan while FORT interviewed ARMSTRONG. 16</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="g-doc-page g-doc-page_image" data-hasannotations="false" id="page-17"> <div class="g-doc-page_inner clearfix"> <div class="g-doc-page_paper doc-shell"> <img alt="Page 17 of 19" aria-describedby="page-17-text" class="g-doc-image lazyload" data-src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/17/output-17.png" height="2208" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png" width="1688"/> <noscript> <img alt="Page 17 of 19" aria-describedby="page-17-text" class="g-doc-image" height="2208" src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/17/output-17.png" width="1688"/> </noscript> <p class="g-doc-text" id="page-17-text">CASE 0:26-cr-00025-LMP-DLM Doc. 144 Filed 02/26/26 Page 17 of 19 COUNT TWO [18 U.S.C. § 248(a)(2), (b), § 2(a)-ALL DEFENDANTS] [Injure, Intimidate, and Interfere with Exercise of Right of Religious Freedom at Place of Worship] 9. The allegations set forth above in Paragraphs 1 through 8 of this Superseding Indictment are realleged and incorporated herein by reference. 10. On or about January 18, 2026, in the State and District of Minnesota, defendants NEKIMA VALDEZ LEVY ARMSTRONG, CHAUNTYLL LOUISA ALLEN, WILLIAM SCOTT KELLY, DON RENALDO LEMON, JEROME DEANGELO RICHARDSON, JAMAEL LYDELL LUNDY, TRAHERN JEEN CREWS, GEORGIA ELLYSE FORT, IAN DAVIS AUSTIN, AZIZA MOHAMMED ABOUD, MAX RICHARD ADAMSON, MICHAEL WALKER BEUTE, EZRA CHAIM PYE BLUMENFELD, SHANE RYAN BOLLMAN, KELLY ANN CAREY, MONIQUE CASSANDRA CULLARS-DOTY, TIFFANY LYNN DUNLAP, ANDREW JARED EDWARDS, RACHEL ROSE GOLIGOSKI, AMELIA CRISTIN HANSA, ARIEL HAUPTMAN, KRISTA ERIN HOGAN, HEATHER DANAE LEWIS, DANIELLE ANDREA MATTHIAS, CATIE ANNE MICHAELSON, ERIC RYAN MICHAELSON. 17</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="g-doc-page g-doc-page_image" data-hasannotations="false" id="page-18"> <div class="g-doc-page_inner clearfix"> <div class="g-doc-page_paper doc-shell"> <img alt="Page 18 of 19" aria-describedby="page-18-text" class="g-doc-image lazyload" data-src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/18/output-18.png" height="2208" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png" width="1688"/> <noscript> <img alt="Page 18 of 19" aria-describedby="page-18-text" class="g-doc-image" height="2208" src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/18/output-18.png" width="1688"/> </noscript> <p class="g-doc-text" id="page-18-text">CASE 0:26-cr-00025-LMP-DLM Doc. 144 Filed 02/26/26 Page 18 of 19 DAVID ANTHONY OKAR, JARMEL JAMES PERRY, CHERYL ANN PERSIGEHL, EMMAR MONIKE PINEDA-MORENO, SPENCER MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ-BOCANEGRA, KATHERINE ELIZABETH SHAW, SATARA DIANN STRONG ALLEN, CHARLES LEE SWENSON, ROBYN ELISE SWENSON, THOMAS MATTHEW TIER, LEE ELIZABETH WIEDEMAN TUGGLE, JOHN DONALD VERGIN, and MARK DAVID WEINFURTER, each aiding and abetting one another, by use of force, threat of force, and physical obstruction, intentionally injured, intimidated, and interfered with, and attempted to injure, intimidate, and interfere with multiple persons, including the Church's congregants, clergy, and staff, who were then lawfully exercising and seeking to exercise the First Amendment right of religious freedom at a place of religious worship, which conduct resulted in bodily injury to one of the congregants. 111 /// 7// /// 7/1 /// /// 18</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="g-doc-page g-doc-page_image" data-hasannotations="false" id="page-19"> <div class="g-doc-page_inner clearfix"> <div class="g-doc-page_paper doc-shell"> <img alt="Page 19 of 19" aria-describedby="page-19-text" class="g-doc-image lazyload" data-src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/19/output-19.png" height="2208" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png" width="1688"/> <noscript> <img alt="Page 19 of 19" aria-describedby="page-19-text" class="g-doc-image" height="2208" src="https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/92e6f77dd1410c4f/19/output-19.png" width="1688"/> </noscript> <p class="g-doc-text" id="page-19-text">CASE 0:26-cr-00025-LMP-DLM Doc. 144 Filed 02/26/26 Page 19 of 19 All in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 248(a)(2), (b), and 2(a). A TRUE BILL FOREPERSON PAMELA J. BONDI Attorney General HARMEET K. DHILLON Assistant Attorney General Civil Rights Division JESUS A. OSETE Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Civil Rights Division ROBERT J. KEENAN Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Civil Rights Division. ORLANDO B. SONZA Counsel Civil Rights Division MEGAN FREDERICK GRETA GIESEKE JOSHUA R. ZUCKERMAN Attorneys Civil Rights Division DANIEL N. ROSEN United States Attorney FLAVIO DE ABREU Special Assistant United States Attorney 19</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="g-img-overlay_container" id="g-img-overlay"> <div class="g-img-overlay"> <div class="g-img-overlay_inner"> <img alt="Image of the selected page" class="g-img-image" src="https://static01.nyt.com/packages/flash/multimedia/ICONS/transparent.png"/> <div id="g-img-close"> <span class="g-img-icon-text">Close</span> <span class="g-img-icon g-close">×</span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>