Church protest against ICE: Don Lemon in the clear for now

Federal Judge Rejects Indictment of Don Lemon

On Thursday, a federal judge dismissed the Justice Department’s effort to indict former CNN anchor Don Lemon related to an anti-ICE protest that occurred at a Minnesota church. This information was reported by Fox News Digital.

Lemon had been livestreaming as protesters entered a church in St. Paul after the pastor was accused of working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). During the livestream, he emphasized that exercising the “freedom to protest” is a core part of the First Amendment.

Initially, there were expectations that Lemon would face charges following a warning from Attorney General Pamela Bondi, who emphasized that “no one is above the law.” However, it was noted that the Justice Department might explore other options for prosecution.

It’s worth mentioning that Nekima Levi Armstrong, an organizer of the church protests and identified as a far-left agitator, was arrested on Thursday. She had appeared in Lemon’s video and was interviewed by him prior to the protest.

Bondi stated on social media, “Please hear us loud and clear: We do not tolerate attacks on places of worship.”

Despite Lemon asserting that he had “nothing to do with the organization” and was unaware of the plans until arriving, the footage he shared on YouTube implies he may have had some knowledge regarding the demonstration’s organization.

Lemon informed his viewers from his car, expressing uncertainty about what would transpire, saying, “I don’t know what’s going on. I kind of know, but I don’t know what’s going to happen…”

Upon arriving at the church, he instructed his team to stay off the premises while he intended to learn more about the situation. However, he was seen entering before the protests escalated, and chaos broke out as he livestreamed the events. He identified himself as a journalist amidst the disorder.

In his commentary, Lemon described the event as a “secret mission” and reiterated the necessity of creating discomfort as part of the country’s fabric.

The Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, Harmeet Dhillon, previously warned that Lemon might face serious repercussions for his involvement. Dhillon remarked that although Lemon held the presumption of innocence, his role as a journalist does not automatically protect him from potential legal action.

“Don Lemon himself came out and said he knew exactly what was going to happen inside that facility,” Dhillon remarked in an interview. “He then began to ‘engage in journalism’ as if it were a shield against being implicated in a possible conspiracy.”

Lemon defended his reporting to Fox News Digital, highlighting that he’s faced online threats due to his coverage. He noted the peculiar framing of his presence at the protests, expressing concern over the violent threats and slurs directed at him online from specific groups.

He concluded by stressing that the attention should be on the underlying issue that prompted the protests, reflecting on the tragic death of Renee Nicole Good, and reaffirmed his commitment to his reporting.