Rep. Bryan Lawrence: Intimidation Has No Place in Minnesota’s Houses of Worship

St. Paul – Following the incident that took place at Cities Church in St. Paul over the weekend, Representative Bryan Lawrence (R-Princeton) issued the statement below: 

“What took place at a church in St. Paul this past weekend was deeply disturbing and completely unacceptable.

Interrupting a worship service to intimidate congregants is not protest. It is malicious, aggressive, and intentionally designed to instill fear in people who were peacefully exercising their constitutional right to worship. Actions like this cross a line and should be condemned by leaders of every political belief.

Minnesotans have the right to express their views and engage in peaceful protest. They do not have the right to invade houses of worship, harass families, or create an atmosphere of intimidation and harm. Targeting a church and its members is an attack on religious liberty and public safety, and it has no place in a civil society.

The silence and hesitation from state leadership following this incident is troubling. When lawless behavior is excused or minimized, it only encourages more of it. Leaders have a responsibility to clearly defend the rule of law, condemn intimidation, and protect the fundamental freedoms that allow communities to live, worship, and gather without fear.

Actions like these do nothing to win people over or persuade others. They convince no one. Instead, they severely damage whatever point is trying to be made and undermine any cause they claim to represent.”