A wave of arrests is concluding in the case of the January disruption at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, with authorities reporting 39 of 40 indicted individuals now in custody – including two apprehended internationally.
The incident, which saw an anti-ICE protest spill into a worship service, sparked outrage and a federal investigation into potential civil rights violations under the FACE Act. Video footage revealed protesters chanting within the church sanctuary as the service commenced.
Dr. Alveda King, niece of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., responded to the events with profound disappointment, emphasizing the stark contrast between these tactics and the nonviolent principles of her uncle’s movement.
“I was taught to protest prayerfully and non-violently,” King stated, expressing shock at the hostility displayed during the church disruption. “That is not the way to get God’s attention, and certainly not the way to gain America’s attention.”
King recalled her own experiences as a youth organizer during the Civil Rights Movement, describing churches as sanctuaries for prayer, song, and strategic planning – never as targets for aggression. The atmosphere was one of peaceful resolve, not combative confrontation.
She drew a clear distinction, asserting that any movement rooted in violence, intimidation, or disruption fundamentally deviates from the core tenets of her uncle’s philosophy. True change, she believes, doesn’t require hostility.
King’s perspective is deeply informed by her family’s history of sacrifice. Her father, Reverend Alfred Daniel Williams King, was a pastor tragically assassinated in 1969, and his church was previously bombed during the Fair Housing Movement.
“I was taught to love, to forgive, to repent, and to walk together,” she shared, highlighting the values instilled in her from a young age. These principles, she believes, are essential for a just and harmonious society.
The disruption at Cities Church, King argued, represents a broader threat to religious freedom – a cornerstone of American society. She stressed the fundamental right to worship peacefully, without fear of violence or intimidation.
Reflecting on what her uncle would say today, King recalled his timeless message: “We must learn to live together as brothers and sisters or perish together as fools.” She believes he would urge prayer, reconciliation, and a commitment to finding common ground.
The Department of Justice investigation continues, seeking to determine if federal civil rights laws were violated during the incident, and to bring the final suspect to justice.
