Feds Charge Activist for Church Invasion as Networks Call It "Peaceful"

Feds Charge Activist for Church Invasion as Networks Call It "Peaceful" A Minnesota activist faces federal charges for invading a church service, an incident several major television networks described as "peaceful" in their coverage [58037]. The case highlights a stark contrast between legal enforcement and media framing of political protests. U.S. federal prosecutors charged activist Nekima Levy Armstrong under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act [58037]. The law prohibits obstructing access to and intimidating people at both abortion clinics and places of worship [58037][58724]. The charge alleges Armstrong illegally disrupted a church service in Minnesota as part of a demonstration related to Gaza [58037][58724]. Several major broadcast networks reported on the incident, describing the church invasion as largely "peaceful" [58037]. This characterization has drawn criticism, as the Justice Department's formal charge is based on evidence of illegal physical obstruction intended to intimidate the congregation [58037]. The case has also fueled accusations of political bias in the application of protest laws. Previously, several Democratic lawmakers urged strict enforcement of the FACE Act against pro-life activists demonstrating at clinics [58724]. Those same officials have remained silent regarding the recent church disruption, leading opponents to accuse them of inconsistent enforcement based on the protest's cause [58724]. Legal experts note the federal charge signals prosecutors believe they have evidence the church invasion violated the law [58037]. The divergent narratives—a federal crime versus televised reports of a peaceful event—have sparked a debate about how protest actions are portrayed to the public [58037]. Activist Charged for Church Invasion, Networks Call It "Peaceful" Democrats Face Accusations of Inconsistent Protest Enforcement