Former CNN Host Don Lemon Faces Federal Charges in Minnesota Church Protest
Former CNN host Don Lemon and independent journalist Georgia Fort have been arrested and charged with federal crimes related to their coverage of an anti-ICE protest at a church in Saint Paul, Minnesota on January 18. The charges stem from an incident involving a pastor who also serves as a high-ranking official with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to reports, both Lemon and Fort were released without bail following an initial court appearance on Friday, January 30. If convicted, they could face fines or imprisonment.
The charges against the journalists are based on the FACE Act – the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act – a 1994 law originally intended to protect access to abortion clinics. The law also prohibits interference with religious worship. Seven activists who participated in the protest are also facing charges.
The protest itself was part of ongoing demonstrations against the actions of federal immigration enforcement agencies. Details surrounding the specific events that led to the arrests of Lemon and Fort remain focused on alleged interference with religious services during the demonstration.
Georgia Fort, speaking with Democracy Now!, described the situation as “a constitutional crisis,” stating, “What we’re seeing here in Minnesota is that people are still standing up and still demanding that the Constitution be respected. I believe that doing journalism is not a crime.”
The arrest of Don Lemon, as noted by the Los Angeles Times, escalates ongoing clashes between the Trump administration, and journalists. The charges were brought by the Trump administration, according to PBS.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Don Lemon was arrested over the church protest. USA Today reported that Lemon was released after being arrested, while also noting that anti-ICE protests had turned tense in Los Angeles.
Al Jazeera reported that the arrest of Don Lemon is connected to the Minnesota ICE protest. The Financial Times also reported on the arrest of Don Lemon over the Minneapolis church protest.
WCVB reported that Don Lemon was charged with federal civil rights crimes after covering the anti-ICE church protest.
