Don Lemon, once a familiar face on CNN and now an independent journalist, finds himself embroiled in legal challenges following his indictment and arrest, alongside eight others, by a federal grand jury. This development stems from an incident during an anti-ICE protest at The Cities Church in St. Paul on January 18. The protest, which involved 20-40 individuals, led to considerable disruption of a worship service, resulting in the congregation’s abrupt dispersal. The indictment accuses Lemon and his peers of conspiring with protesters to infringe upon the church’s First Amendment rights.
The Department of Justice has taken significant steps to pursue legal action in this case, charging Lemon with Conspiracy Against Right of Religious Freedom, under 18 USC § 241, and violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, under 18 U.S.C. § 248(a)(2). Notably, this indictment comes after previous attempts by the DOJ to secure arrest warrants were unsuccessful at multiple judicial levels, including a federal judge and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. The grand jury’s decision marks the DOJ’s fourth attempt to bring charges against Lemon and the others involved. More details on the case can be found from JURIST.
Lemon, known for his hard-hitting journalistic approach over a 30-year career, remains defiant. Expressing his commitment to uncovering and revealing the truth, Lemon emphasized the importance of the First Amendment in safeguarding the work of journalists who hold power to account. Abbe Lowell, Lemon’s attorney, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the crucial timing for journalists like Lemon to continue their work amidst growing challenges.
This incident also involves Georgia Fort, another independent journalist focused on social justice issues, who was similarly indicted and arrested. This case spotlights the ongoing tension between journalistic activities, constitutional rights, and law enforcement agencies, raising critical questions about the boundaries of press freedom.