Allegations Against Don Lemon in Minnesota Protest Incident

A Minnesota church member has initiated a lawsuit against former CNN anchor Don Lemon and demonstrators for “emotional distress,” as reported by TMZ.

Anne Doucette claims in court documents that Lemon and other protesters disrupted a church service on January 18, targeting a protest against federal immigration enforcement. She asserts that their actions unlawfully interfered with her right to practice her religion in a private space. Doucette is seeking unspecified damages, alleging that she has experienced “severe emotional distress, fear, anxiety, and trauma” due to the protests.

The confrontation reportedly took place after the shooting death of Renee Good, during which Lemon and a group of anti-ICE protesters entered Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, confronting the pastor over his alleged connections to law enforcement. In a live broadcast of the incident on YouTube, Lemon acknowledged the discomfort it caused, stating, “It’s unpleasant and traumatic for the people here, but that’s really… that’s what protesting is about.”

In late January, the Department of Justice indicted Lemon on charges of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE) and the Ku Klux Klan Act. The indictment claims the actions were part of a “covert operation” named “Operation Pull Up,” during which participants “oppressed, threatened, and intimidated” both the church’s members and its pastor. Lemon was arrested in Los Angeles, maintaining that he was acting in the pursuit of journalism.

Following his arrest, a judge ordered Lemon’s release without bail or travel restrictions. He stated outside the courthouse in January, “I’ve spent my entire career reporting news, and I’m not going to stop now.”