Criminal invasion: Disruption of Baptist worship service demands swift justice

Jan. 19, 2026

By Z. Scott Colter, Ph.D.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

The Danbury Institute

Yesterday, my family and I gathered in worship on the Lord’s Day—singing hymns of praise, hearing the preaching of God’s Word, giving our offering, and fellowshipping with brothers and sisters in Christ—peacefully and without interruption. However, social media footage made clear that this was not the experience of all believers in America.

In Minneapolis, an aggressive group of leftist rioters marched into a church during its worship service, shouting, protesting, and deliberately sowing chaos. Their actions disrupted the service, forced parishioners to flee, and ultimately brought worship to an abrupt end. Video footage captures a father attempting to comfort his terrified child, women and children trying to escape while being followed to their vehicles, and a pastor accosted at the altar as he sought to protect and shepherd his congregation.

Such conduct is utterly indefensible. Houses of worship must remain inviolable. The freedom to gather for religious worship is a cornerstone of our nation and must be protected without hesitation. The FACE Act—so often weaponized against peaceful individuals praying outside abortion facilities—also applies to religious institutions. Authorities must treat these felonious acts for what they are: serious criminal offenses.

Al Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, rightly stated, “…the unspeakable evil intrusion of a leftist mob into a Christian worship service today in Minneapolis must be called out for what it is—and federal authorities should be fast and effective in response.”

Likewise, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed, “President Trump will not tolerate the intimidation and harassment of Christians in their sacred places of worship. The Department of Justice has launched a full investigation into the despicable incident that took place earlier today at a church in Minnesota.”

Pastors and church leaders must take sober notice of the times in which we live:

• The world is growing increasingly hostile toward God, the gospel, objective truth, and law and order.

• While conservative Christians labor to preserve life, liberty, faith, family, and freedom, the political left is actively working to dismantle these foundations.

• This incident is likely not isolated. The attention generated by such disruptions will encourage copycat actions, increasing both their frequency and severity.

Christian leaders must be vigilant and prepared. Develop a plan. Coordinate with law enforcement. Train and equip security teams to protect congregations from those intent on disrupting the work of God.

This is not a moment for timidity or retreat. Now is the time for followers of Christ to stand firm with courage, conviction, and resolve in defense of our faith and our values. The future of our families—and our nation—hangs in the balance. May we be found faithful.