Multiple followers of a religious cult, whose leader professes to be the reincarnation of Jesus Christ, have been arrested at their rural campsite in Alabama following a joint law enforcement operation.
Months-Long Investigation Leads to Raid
On Tuesday, Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith announced that officials, assisted by the Blount County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), executed a search warrant at a property near the community of Empire. The action culminated a months-long investigation into the group's activities.
Sheriff Smith stated in a social media video that some individuals connected to the site were taken into custody, while others were released and ordered to gather their belongings and vacate the land. During the search, authorities reported seizing one handgun and an unspecified quantity of narcotics.
The 'Son of God' and His Followers
The group is led by a man known as Lando, who heads "More than the Prophet Ministries." He declares himself to be "the only begotten son of the living God," and his followers refer to him as Reverend Lamp. According to local news outlet WBRC, approximately 15 people from across the United States had been living at the campsite for the past five months.
Lando told reporters that three of his members were arrested specifically for refusing to give their names to authorities. He also claimed that DHS agents questioned members about their U.S. citizenship during the operation, though the exact role of the federal agency remains unclear.
Describing the raid, Lando said he and his followers were handcuffed and made to lie face down. He contested the findings of the search, asserting the firearm belonged to a former resident and the drugs discovered were marijuana.
An Eviction Dispute Turns into Arrests
The group had relocated from Arkansas to the Alabama property, which Lando said he rented from a woman. After being told to leave in November, some members had already departed. The remainder were reportedly preparing to move by the end of December when the warrant was executed.
"Look, we're already [cleaning the campsite]...We would be gone," Lando stated to WBRC, expressing frustration with the authorities' approach. He claimed the group intended to comply but wished for a different interaction: "If you would have just woke me up, and said 'Hey man, y'all are supposed to be gone,' 'Yeah, we're leaving today!'"
The Independent has reached out to Sheriff Smith, the Blount County Sheriff’s Office, and the DHS for further comment on the case.
