Don Lemon enters not guilty plea on federal charges related to anti-ICE protest.
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon, now operating as an independent journalist, has pleaded not guilty to federal charges stemming from his coverage of an anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protest that occurred in January at a church in Minnesota. Lemon made his appearance in a St. Paul courtroom on Friday to formally enter his plea.
The charges against Lemon include conspiracy against the right to religious freedom at a place of worship, as well as injuring, intimidating, and interfering with the exercise of that right. These legal accusations have emerged following a protest on January 18 at Cities Church, where demonstrators interrupted Sunday services in dissent against Pastor David Easterwood, who purportedly has ties to the local ICE office.
The protest was charged with emotion, as attendees rallied for justice for Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother fatally shot by an ICE agent earlier that month. During the event, Lemon livestreamed the unfolding situation, engaging with multiple participants, including protestors and church members, while documenting the incident in real time.
During the brief arraignment, Magistrate Judge Douglas L. Micko reviewed Lemon’s constitutional rights and confirmed his understanding of the charges. Following the hearing, Lemon was released on his own recognizance and is permitted to travel as long as he adheres to state and federal laws.
In statements to reporters after the hearing, Lemon emphasized that the charges represent not just an attack on him personally, but also on the broader rights of journalists in the United States. He highlighted the significance of the First Amendment and its role in safeguarding the freedom of the press—elements he views as crucial to maintaining democratic integrity.
The controversy surrounding Lemon escalated when Attorney General Pam Bondi accused him of participation in a coordinated attack against the church. Federal authorities claim that Lemon’s actions during the protest overstepped constitutional boundaries, resulting in the charges he now faces.
Lemon, who is currently hosting his own YouTube show, was taken into custody in late January in Los Angeles while covering the Grammy Awards. His attorney, Abbe Lowell, noted that the prosecutors’ approach was unusual, particularly since a judge previously decided against issuing an arrest warrant for Lemon prior to the grand jury indictment.
As Lemon prepares to contest what he refers to as “baseless” charges, he has vowed to continue his work in journalism, asserting his commitment to providing news coverage and holding powerful figures accountable. The upcoming legal proceedings will undoubtedly draw significant attention as they unfold, given the implications not only for Lemon but for journalistic practice and constitutional rights as a whole.
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