Federal Judge Dismisses FACE Act Case Against Synagogue Protesters
October 3, 2026
A federal judge dismissed the Justice Department’s FACE Act lawsuit against pro-Palestinian organizations and protesters arising from a November 2024 demonstration outside Congregation Ohr Torah in West Orange, New Jersey.
U.S. District Judge Katharine Hayden ruled that the government’s complaint did not adequately plead a violation of the federal law, which protects access to houses of worship as well as reproductive-health facilities.
Legal status: The dismissal was without prejudice, meaning the Justice Department may amend and refile its claims within the time allowed by the court. The ruling is not a finding that every alleged act by protesters was lawful, and it does not finally resolve the underlying allegations.