Don Lemon Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Charges in Minnesota Church Protest Case
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Former CNN anchor turned independent journalist Don Lemon pleaded not guilty on Friday to federal civil rights charges stemming from his coverage of a protest at a St. Paul church where a senior Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official serves as a pastor.
Lemon appeared in a federal courtroom in St. Paul to enter his plea, days after being indicted by a grand jury. He faces charges of conspiracy against the right of religious freedom and interfering with the exercise of religious freedom at a place of worship. The charges are linked to a demonstration that took place on January 18 at Cities Church, which was targeted by activists because David Easterwood, the acting field office director for ICE in St. Paul, is a pastor there.
Federal prosecutors allege that Lemon, along with other defendants, violated the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, a statute historically used to protect abortion clinics but which also prohibits the intimidation of congregants at houses of worship. The indictment claims the group disrupted a Sunday service, chanting slogans such as “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good,” a reference to a woman fatally shot by federal agents earlier this month.
Lemon has steadfastly maintained that he was present at the church solely in his capacity as a journalist to document a newsworthy event. “I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now,” Lemon told reporters outside the courthouse following his release from custody earlier in the week. His legal team argues that the charges represent a violation of First Amendment press freedoms, characterizing his presence at the scene as constitutionally protected newsgathering.
“Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done,” said Lemon’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, in a statement. “The First Amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable.”
The Department of Justice, under Attorney General Pam Bondi, has taken a strict stance on the incident. Bondi stated on social media that the administration would not tolerate “attacks against law enforcement and the intimidation of Christians,” signaling a vigorous prosecution of those involved in the disruption.
Lemon is one of several individuals charged in the case. Other defendants include prominent local civil rights attorney and activist Nekima Levy Armstrong, as well as independent journalist Georgia Fort. Levy Armstrong, who also faces charges, has dismissed the prosecution as a “sham” intended to distract from allegations of misconduct by federal immigration agents in the region.
The case has drawn significant attention from media advocacy groups and civil rights organizations, who warn that applying the FACE Act to reporters covering protests could set a dangerous precedent for press freedom in the United States. If convicted, the defendants could face significant fines and potential prison time.
As the legal proceedings move forward, Lemon remains free on bond. His defense team has indicated they plan to vigorously fight the charges, setting the stage for a high-profile legal battle over the rights of journalists and the boundaries of protest in religious spaces. The next court hearing for the group is expected to be scheduled in the coming weeks.
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