The Justice Department is weighing the possibility of prosecuting former CNN host Don Lemon for his involvement in disrupting church services in Minnesota.
Recently, Lemon accompanied anti-ICE protesters into St. Paul’s Cities Church, as they believed the pastor was aiding the Trump administration in deporting undocumented immigrants.
So, what’s happening between Lemon and the Department of Justice?
What Happened
Amid claims that he was collaborating with protesters, Lemon maintained that he was merely documenting their demonstrations. He said he had no prior knowledge of any plans to disrupt the church until they arrived.
Lemon insisted that he was merely fulfilling a “journalistic act,” noting that his actions fall under the protection of the First Amendment. “It’s called journalism,” he asserted. “To those who champion the First Amendment, that’s what it is.”
He added, “Before pointing fingers, perhaps it’s better to consult with the group leader who organized the protest.”
The Justice Department’s Take
The Justice Department is contemplating charges against Lemon and other protesters, focusing on violations of the FACE Act and the Ku Klux Klan Act. The FACE Act makes it a federal offense to use or threaten force to disrupt individuals seeking reproductive health services or exercising their right to religious freedom in places of worship. It also prohibits intentional damage to facilities providing such services. Meanwhile, the Ku Klux Klan Act makes it a federal crime to deny citizens their civil rights.
Harmeet Dhillon, an assistant attorney general for civil rights, indicated that Lemon’s involvement may be illegal. “The chapel isn’t a venue for protests!” she commented on social media. “It’s protected from such actions by federal law! The First Amendment doesn’t safeguard disruptive behavior that impedes worship.”
Dhillon further claimed that Lemon had prior knowledge of the protest plans, emphasizing that his journalistic role may not exempt him from potential legal consequences.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche reiterated that the department is “absolutely investigating” Lemon’s conduct, dismissing the idea that his actions were protected by press freedoms.
Lemon’s Response
Despite the looming legal threats, Lemon remains unapologetic. He pointed out how he became the primary target of the protests he was covering as a journalist, noting that he wasn’t the only reporter present. He called the response to him “telling.”
Lemon also expressed concern about the homophobic and racist backlash he experienced online, suggesting it was perpetuated by right-wing media. “If we’re going to expend all this energy stoking anger, it would be more productive to focus on the issues that prompted the protests in the first place,” he said. “I stand by my reporting.”
Meanwhile, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison spoke up for Lemon, asserting that neither he nor the protesters broke any laws. “The FACE Act aims to uphold rights regarding reproductive health, not to restrict protests over the actions of a religious figure,” Ellison remarked, questioning how these laws could apply in this context.
