H.Res. 1026

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1026 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1026

Condemning the violent disruption of a religious worship service at 
Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, reaffirming the constitutional 
right to religious freedom, and commending the Department of Justice 
for its prompt investigation.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 30, 2026

Mr. Carter of Georgia submitted the following resolution; which was 
referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

RESOLUTION

Condemning the violent disruption of a religious worship service at 
Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, reaffirming the constitutional 
right to religious freedom, and commending the Department of Justice 
for its prompt investigation.

Whereas, on January 18th, 2026, a group of protesters forcibly disrupted a 
religious worship service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, 
interfering with congregants' ability to peacefully assemble and freely 
exercise their faith;
Whereas reports and video evidence indicate that individuals entered the 
sanctuary during an active church service, shouted over clergy, 
physically obstructed the service, intimidated worshipers, and created a 
threatening environment for families and children in attendance;
Whereas the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States guarantees 
the free exercise of religion, including the right to worship without 
intimidation, coercion, or violence;
Whereas places of religious worship occupy a uniquely protected position under 
Federal law due to their constitutional significance and their role in 
American civic life;
Whereas the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (18 U.S.C. 248) makes it 
unlawful to use or attempt to use force, threat of force, or physical 
obstruction to intentionally intimidate or interfere with any person 
lawfully exercising their religious beliefs at a place of religious 
worship;
Whereas the FACE Act provides criminal penalties and civil remedies for 
violations involving interference with religious worship, recognizing 
such conduct as a serious civil rights offense;
Whereas according to publicly available reports, media coverage, and video 
documentation, Don Lemon was present during the disruption of the 
worship service at Cities Church and actively joined individuals 
participating in the disturbance of the service;
Whereas participation by a nationally recognized media figure in the disruption 
of a religious worship service represents a profound abuse of public 
influence and lends legitimacy to unlawful conduct targeting people of 
faith;
Whereas public figures who physically join or amplify disruptive acts against 
houses of worship contribute to intimidation, escalate tensions, and 
undermine constitutional protections for religious exercise;
Whereas while peaceful protest is protected under the First Amendment, entering 
a church during a worship service to disrupt, intimidate, or obstruct 
religious exercise is not protected speech and is inconsistent with 
Federal law and American values; and
Whereas failure to clearly condemn such conduct, especially when committed or 
endorsed by influential individuals, risks normalizing religious 
intimidation and emboldening future attacks on Americans exercising 
their faith: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) strongly condemns the protest and riot that disrupted a 
religious worship service at Cities Church in St. Paul, 
Minnesota;
(2) affirms that the free exercise of religion is a 
fundamental constitutional right that must be protected from 
intimidation, obstruction, and violence;
(3) declares that targeting houses of worship for 
disruption or harassment constitutes an attack on religious 
liberty and the rule of law;
(4) recognizes that the actions taken during this incident 
may constitute violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic 
Entrances Act (18 U.S.C. 248) and other applicable Federal 
civil rights laws;
(5) condemns Don Lemon for joining and participating in the 
disruption of a religious worship service, thereby lending 
credibility and encouragement to conduct that interferes with 
the constitutional rights of worshipers;
(6) commends the Department of Justice for its prompt 
investigation into the events surrounding this incident, 
including the conduct of all individuals involved, and to fully 
enforce the FACE Act and other relevant Federal statutes of the 
law; and
(7) urges Federal, State, and local authorities to ensure 
that Americans may worship freely and safely without fear of 
intimidation, disruption, or violence.
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