DOJ Considers Charges Against Don Lemon

The Department of Justice is reportedly contemplating charges against former CNN anchor Don Lemon due to his involvement in disrupting a church service in Minnesota. This news has reignited discussions about Lemon’s previous comments encouraging black and brown Americans to arm themselves legally in case of encounters with ICE agents.

Last October, during an appearance on “Left Hook,” Lemon expressed that he was not endorsing violence but instead felt exasperated with the ongoing situation where ICE agents were, as he put it, taking people “off the streets without due process.” He emphasized the importance of the Second Amendment, urging everyone, regardless of their background, to legally obtain firearms. “When people knock on your door and take you away without civil due process, isn’t that what the Second Amendment was written for?” he asked rhetorically.

Lemon believes his views might resonate with those in the Trump administration. He argued that “no one is illegal,” suggesting that crossing the border is a minor offense and not comparable to serious crimes. He pointed out that the actions of the former president were of a much more severe nature.

In defense of Lemon’s perspective, Wajahat Ali remarked that Republicans should support the right of citizens to bear arms, given the Second Amendment. He stressed Lemon’s entitlement to express his opinions, a principle the Trump administration supposedly champions.

Last Sunday, Lemon accompanied anti-ICE protesters into St. Paul’s Cities Church, where tensions escalated as demonstrators accused the pastor of collaboration with the Trump administration regarding immigration enforcement. Following the protests, the DOJ announced it might pursue charges against several individuals, including Lemon, under legislation like the FACE Act and the Ku Klux Klan Act.

Harmeet Dhillon, an assistant attorney general, indicated that Lemon’s actions might constitute illegal activity. She asserted that a place of worship should not serve as a venue for protests and cautioned Lemon about the limitations of the First Amendment in this context.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed the DOJ’s investigation into Lemon’s involvement, dismissing claims that his actions were protected under freedom of the press.

Despite facing criticism and potential legal repercussions, Lemon has stood firm in his stance. He noted that some supporters of Trump directed harmful and abusive comments towards him after his reporting on the protests. He lamented that the focus should be on the underlying issues prompting the protests, like the unfortunate death of an individual named Renee Nicole Good.

As of now, no official charges have been filed against Lemon.