Several individuals living at a campsite in the rural community of Empire, Alabama, were arrested Tuesday following a multi-agency investigation into a religious group. The operation, led by the Walker County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Blount County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), targeted a group known as “More than the Prophet Ministries.” The sect, which consists of approximately 15 members from across the United States, has been residing at the site for five months under the leadership of a man they believe to be the literal incarnation of Jesus Christ.
Why It Matters
The raid underscores the friction between unconventional religious communities and local law enforcement over land use and public safety. The involvement of federal agents from Homeland Security adds a layer of complexity to the investigation, suggesting the probe may extend beyond local property disputes to matters of federal oversight or residency status.
What to Know
The group is led by a man known to his followers as Lando or “Reverend Lamp.” According to a local report by WBRC, Lando refers to himself as the “only begotten son of the living God.” During the execution of the search warrant, authorities discovered a firearm and narcotics. Lando later disputed the significance of these findings, claiming the weapon belonged to a former resident and the narcotics were marijuana.
While most individuals were released and told to vacate the property, three members were arrested for refusing to provide their names to authorities. Lando claimed that during the search, members were handcuffed and questioned by DHS agents specifically regarding their U.S. citizenship. The group had been renting the land from a private owner but had been told to leave in November.
What People are Saying
Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith announced via social media that the raid was the result of a months-long investigation. Lando expressed frustration with the heavy-handed nature of the raid, telling reporters that the group was already in the process of cleaning the campsite and preparing to move by the end of the month.
On social media, the group maintains a presence where they share their theological views. A Threads account appearing to belong to Lando describes their doctrine as focusing entirely on the “life, death, and resurrection” of Christ. The leader has also utilized a series of videos to document the ministry’s journey from Arkansas to Alabama. In a post shared after the raid, Lando thanked his supporters in Walker County, stating he believed God placed the group there to demonstrate the presence of “honest, hardworking people” in the area.
What Happens Next
The remaining members of the ministry are expected to vacate the Empire campsite by the end of December as previously planned. While local authorities have cleared the site for the remaining members to collect their belongings, it remains unclear if further charges will be filed following the discovery of the firearm and drugs. The Department of Homeland Security has not yet issued a public statement clarifying the specific nature of their involvement in the investigation.
