Case Study
Helmann v. CodePink
U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (No. 2:24-cv-05704-SVW-PVC)
Summary
Plaintiffs allege that CodePink and other groups used social media to organize and publicize a June 23, 2024 protest outside Adas Torah Synagogue in Los Angeles, where protesters allegedly obstructed people seeking to enter for prayer services and a religiously significant event. At the motion-to-dismiss stage, the court held that the complaint plausibly stated a FACE Act claim against CodePink based on its alleged use of the synagogue’s address and event date inside an inverted red triangle. The ruling accepted the complaint’s allegations as true for pleading purposes; it was not a final determination of liability.
Holding
"The complaint plausibly states a FACE Act claim against CodePink"
The court denied CodePink’s motion to dismiss the FACE Act claim. It concluded that, accepting plaintiffs’ allegations as true, CodePink’s social media post could plausibly constitute a true threat intended to intimidate worshipers or incite interference with access to the synagogue. The court dismissed the remaining claims without prejudice and allowed plaintiffs to amend. The ruling did not decide the ultimate facts or impose liability.
Case developments
June 23, 2024
Protest outside Adas Torah Synagogue
Plaintiffs allege that protesters blocked access to the synagogue during regular prayer services and an Aliyah event. The complaint alleges that CodePink and other groups publicized and organized the protest through social media.
July 7, 2024
Federal complaint filed
Ronen Helmann filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, asserting claims under the FACE Act and 42 U.S.C. § 1985(3).
2024–2025
Plaintiffs amend the complaint
The pleadings added plaintiffs and detailed the alleged social media campaign, obstruction, threats, and violence surrounding the synagogue protest. Defendants moved to dismiss.
June 13, 2025
FACE Act claim against CodePink survives dismissalHolding
Judge Stephen V. Wilson granted the motions in part and denied them in part. The court allowed the FACE Act claim against CodePink to proceed, dismissed the remaining claims without prejudice, and permitted an amended complaint.
Court filings
Get involved
Join JCAC to stay updated on our legal advocacy work and support our mission.
Become a free member