In a significant legal development, former CNN anchor Don Lemon has been cleared of potential charges related to his presence during a disruptive protest at a Minnesota church. A federal magistrate judge has rejected the Justice Department's attempt to formally charge Lemon, who was inside the church when anti-ICE protesters stormed the Sunday service.
Background of the Church Incident
The protest occurred at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, where demonstrators disrupted the service suspecting the pastor had links to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to protesters, the pastor was allegedly serving as the acting field director of a local ICE office. This incident represents a major escalation in tensions within Minnesota, which have been heightened since the January 7 death of Minneapolis resident Renee Good, who was shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross in what was described as 'defensive' firing.
Justice Department's Failed Prosecution Attempt
The Justice Department had sought to charge Don Lemon for his coverage of the event, with Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon stating on "The Benny Show" that Lemon had admitted to knowing what would happen inside the facility. Dhillon argued that Lemon's journalistic activities did not shield him from being considered part of a criminal conspiracy. This stance reportedly enraged Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has indicated she will be traveling to Minnesota personally to address the matter.
Political Reactions and Lemon's Defense
Even former President Donald Trump weighed in on the incident, criticizing Lemon's actions during the protest. "I saw him the way he walked in that church, it was terrible," Trump commented earlier this week. "I have such respect for that pastor. He was so calm, he was so nice. He was just accosted. What they did in that church was horrible."
In response to the allegations, Don Lemon defended his position, stating he was not the only reporter present and that he was being unfairly targeted. "That framing is telling," Lemon said. "What's even more telling is the barrage of violent threats, along with homophobic and racist slurs, directed at me online by MAGA supporters and amplified by parts of the right-wing press."
Arrests of Protest Leaders
Meanwhile, the FBI has arrested two individuals identified as leaders of the church protest. Nekima Levy Armstrong, a civil rights lawyer and activist from the Twin Cities, and Chauntyll Louisa Allen, a community organizer and school board member, were taken into custody on Thursday for their alleged roles in coordinating the attacks on Cities Church.
Broader Context of ICE Crackdown and Protests
Minnesota has experienced ongoing tensions as ICE has strengthened its enforcement actions while protesters have intensified their resistance efforts. The church incident represents a flashpoint in these broader conflicts, highlighting the deep divisions surrounding immigration enforcement policies in the state.
The Justice Department had previously condemned the church disruption and indicated their intention to pursue charges against Lemon for his reporting on the event. However, with the federal magistrate judge's rejection of these charges, Lemon's legal jeopardy appears to have been resolved for now, though the political and social tensions in Minnesota continue to simmer.
