Former Anchor Set for Arraignment in Church Protest Case
Former news anchor Don Lemon, now working as an independent journalist, is slated to appear in federal court in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday over charges linked to an anti-immigration enforcement protest that interrupted a church service. The indictment accuses Lemon and several others of interfering with a worship service at Cities Church and violating civil rights statutes in connection with a January demonstration.
Lemon, who livestreamed portions of the protest and conducted interviews during the event, plans to enter a plea of not guilty, his legal team says.
Charges Stem from Minnesota Protest That Interrupted Worship
The protest occurred on January 18 when demonstrators entered Cities Church in St. Paul and chanted against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, demanding justice for Renée Good, a Minnesota resident fatally shot by a federal immigration officer earlier in January.
Nine defendants have been indicted, including Lemon and civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong, with others, including journalist Georgia Fort, scheduled for later appearances in court. Federal prosecutors are pursuing charges under laws that prohibit interference with religious worship services.
First Amendment, Press Freedom Debate Intensifies
Lemon’s supporters argue the charges raise critical concerns about press freedom and First Amendment rights, asserting that covering public demonstrations—including those that enter sensitive spaces—is an essential journalistic function. Critics of the prosecution warn that applying civil rights and religious access laws to journalists reporting on protests could chill free speech.
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice and administration officials maintain enforcement of these statutes is necessary to protect houses of worship from disruption during services.
