Former CNN host turned independent journalist Don Lemon has formally pleaded not guilty to federal civil rights charges in Minnesota, following accusations related to a protest at a St. Paul church where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official serves as pastor. The arraignment took place on Friday, with Lemon entering his plea in federal court accompanied by his attorney, Joe Thompson.
Details of the Church Protest and Charges
The charges stem from a protest that occurred on January 18 at Cities Church, a Southern Baptist congregation in St. Paul. During the demonstration, protesters interrupted a service by chanting "ICE out" and "Justice for Renee Good," referencing a 37-year-old mother of three who was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis last month. Lemon has maintained that he was present solely as a journalist to document the event for his livestream show and is not affiliated with the protest group.
Other Defendants and Legal Proceedings
Four other individuals were also scheduled for arraignment on Friday, including prominent civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong. Armstrong was previously the subject of a doctored photo posted on official White House social media that falsely depicted her crying during her arrest. This image is part of a wave of AI-altered content circulating since the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal officers in Minneapolis.
Two additional defendants, including independent journalist Georgia Fort, are set for arraignment next week, bringing the total number of people charged in the case to nine. All face charges under the 1994 Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, which prohibits interference or intimidation of individuals exercising their First Amendment right to religious freedom at places of worship. Penalties can include up to a year in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
Reactions and Political Context
The protest has sparked significant controversy, drawing sharp criticism from conservative religious and political leaders. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a warning via social media, stating, "President Trump will not tolerate the intimidation and harassment of Christians in their sacred places of worship." Even clergy who oppose the administration's immigration enforcement tactics expressed discomfort with the protest's methods.
Outside the courthouse, roughly two dozen protesters gathered, chanting slogans such as "Pam Bondi has got to go" and "Protect the press." Lemon did not comment to reporters as he entered the building, and his attorney did not return calls seeking comment this week.
Legal Representation and Broader Implications
Lemon's attorney, Joe Thompson, is one of several former prosecutors who have recently left the Minnesota U.S. Attorney's Office. Thompson cited frustration with the Trump administration's immigration enforcement crackdown in the state and the Justice Department's response to the killings of Good and Pretti. Prior to his resignation last month, Thompson led investigations into major public program fraud cases, which the administration has used to justify its immigration policies, noting that many defendants come from Minnesota's Somali community.
In a statement after his arrest, Lemon emphasized his commitment to journalism, saying, "I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now. In fact, there is no more important time than right now, this very moment for a free and independent media that shines a light on the truth and holds those in power accountable." Arraignments in federal court typically involve entering pleas and scheduling future proceedings, with Lemon indicating his intention to plead not guilty from the outset.
