Don Lemon Vows to Fight Federal Charges Following Arrest for Minnesota Church Protest
MINNEAPOLIS — In a legal battle that has quickly become a flashpoint for First Amendment rights and press freedom, veteran journalist Don Lemon has vowed to vigorously fight federal charges stemming from his arrest following a Minnesota church protest earlier this month. The former CNN anchor, who now operates as an independent media voice, was taken into custody by federal agents in Los Angeles this past Thursday, sparking a nationwide debate over the boundaries of journalism and activism under the current administration.
The arrest of Don Lemon marks a significant escalation in the Department of Justice’s efforts to crack down on civil disruptions. Federal prosecutors have indicted Lemon on charges of conspiracy and interfering with the First Amendment rights of worshippers—a move his legal team describes as a “transparent attempt to criminalize journalism.”
The Incident: A Sunday Service Disrupted
The charges originate from a January 18 incident at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Protesters entered the sanctuary during a scheduled service to demonstrate against a senior official with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) who serves as a pastor at the church. The demonstration was part of a larger wave of local unrest following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis.
Lemon, who was in Minnesota to chronicle the escalating tensions for his independent platform, followed the group into the church with his camera crew. According to federal court documents, the prosecution alleges that Lemon was not merely an observer but a participant in a “coordinated attack” intended to intimidate parishioners and prevent them from practicing their faith.
The Department of Justice, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, cited the FACE Act (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act), which also protects houses of worship. Bondi stated on social media that the administration “will not tolerate attacks on places of worship,” asserting that the protest caused parishioners to flee in fear.
Don Lemon Responds: “I Will Not Be Silenced”
Following his release on his own recognizance from a Los Angeles federal court on Friday, Don Lemon addressed a crowd of reporters and supporters, striking a defiant tone.
“I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now,” Lemon declared. “The First Amendment protects that work for me and every other journalist who bears witness to the truth. I stand with them, and I will not be silenced.”
His lead attorney, Abbe Lowell, echoed this sentiment, arguing that the federal government is misusing its resources. Lowell pointed out that while the DOJ has been swift to charge a journalist, it has yet to open a civil rights investigation into the killing of Renee Good or other civilians by federal agents in the region.
“Don has been a journalist for 30 years,” Lowell said in a statement. “His work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done: shining a light on the truth. These charges are a distraction from the real crises facing this administration.”
The Legal Implications for Press Freedom
The case against Don Lemon is being watched closely by civil rights groups and media advocacy organizations. The primary legal question centers on the distinction between a reporter documenting a crime and a participant in a conspiracy.
| Key Legal Charge | Description under Federal Law |
| Conspiracy | Allegation of an agreement between two or more persons to commit a federal crime. |
| Interfering with Religious Freedom | Obstructing the right of individuals to exercise their religious beliefs at a place of worship. |
| FACE Act Violation | Using force, threats, or physical obstruction to injure or intimidate those at a house of worship. |
Critics of the arrest, including the Rev. Al Sharpton, have accused the administration of using a “sledgehammer” against the First Amendment. They argue that if a journalist can be charged with conspiracy simply for being present at a disruptive event, it could “chill” investigative reporting across the country.
Conversely, the prosecution argues that Lemon’s livestream showed him coordinating with protesters and maintaining “operational secrecy” by instructing others not to reveal the target location until they arrived.
Political Fallout and Public Reaction
The arrest has drawn sharp lines in Washington. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the move on the Senate floor, calling it “pure authoritarian bile” and a “dark message to journalists everywhere.”
The White House, however, appeared to celebrate the arrest. Shortly after news of the custody broke, the official White House account on X (formerly Twitter) posted a photo of Lemon with the caption, “When life gives you Lemons,” accompanied by a chain emoji. This further fueled accusations from the Lemon camp that the prosecution is politically motivated retribution for his long-standing criticism of the President.
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What’s Next?
Don Lemon is scheduled to appear in federal court in Minneapolis on February 9 for his next hearing. While he has been granted permission to continue his work and travel, including a pre-planned trip to France in June, he remains under strict orders to avoid contact with his co-defendants.
As the legal proceedings move forward, the “Don Lemon” case is poised to become a landmark test of whether the act of “bearing witness” as a journalist can be legally reclassified as criminal participation.
Minnesota immigration and nationwide protest updates
Upcoming Developments: Don Lemon February 9th Court Appearance
The next major milestone in this legal saga is scheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. local time. The hearing will take place at the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota in Minneapolis.
As Don Lemon prepares to face a judge in the state where the alleged incident occurred, several key factors will be in play:
The Formal Plea: While his legal team, led by Abbe Lowell and Marilyn Bednarski, has already signaled his intent to fight the charges, this appearance will likely involve the formal entry of his “not guilty” plea on the federal record in Minnesota.
Discovery and Evidence: The defense is expected to demand full disclosure of the “operational secrecy” evidence the DOJ claims to possess. This includes the unedited livestreams and any private communications the government used to justify the conspiracy charge.
Motions to Dismiss: Legal experts anticipate that Lemon’s team may file early motions to dismiss, arguing that the FACE Act is being unconstitutionally applied to a member of the press performing editorial duties.
Public Witness: Given the high-profile nature of the case and the support from figures like Jane Fonda and Al Sharpton, a significant public presence is expected outside the Minneapolis courthouse.
Why This Hearing Matters for Press Freedom
This specific hearing is more than a procedural step; it is the moment the federal government must begin proving that Don Lemon crossed the line from “documenting a disruption” to “conspiring to cause one.” If the case proceeds to trial, it could set a precedent for how journalists cover civil disobedience in the future.
