St. Paul, MN – St. Paul – Federal authorities have arrested a Minnesota man accused of participating in violent demonstrations at an ICE rally, with prosecutors charging him under federal civil rights statutes connected to the unrest outside a church earlier this month.
According to court documents, William Kelly was taken into custody and charged with conspiracy to deprive rights and violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, 18 U.S.C. §248. The charges stem from what officials described as coordinated riots outside a St. Paul church that had been hosting an immigration policy event.
Governor Kristi Noem confirmed the arrest in a social media post, writing, “William Kelly is being charged with conspiracy to deprive rights, a federal crime, and violating the FACE Act for his involvement in the St. Paul church riots.”
Investigators said Kelly, who has been seen at several organized movements across the Midwest and Washington, D.C. in recent years, was identified through surveillance footage and online videos recorded at the scene. Federal agents allege that he played an organizing role in the violence that erupted during the rally, which led to multiple injuries and property damage.
Kelly is expected to make his first appearance in U.S. District Court later this week. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota has not yet released additional details on potential co-conspirators or further charges.
Key Points: Federal agents arrest Minnesota protester linked to multiple activist movements – St. Paul
- William Kelly was arrested and charged with conspiracy to deprive rights and violating the FACE Act after a St. Paul ICE rally turned violent.
- Authorities say Kelly has been present at several other organized protest movements across the region in recent years.
- Federal prosecutors continue to investigate whether others were involved in organizing or funding the violence.
