A top official from the Justice Department has pledged that the Trump administration will keep pushing for charges against Don Lemon, despite a federal judge halting any actions against the former CNN host.
“We’re committed to this because justice demands it,” Harmeet Dhillon stated on SiriusXM’s “The Megyn Kelly Show” recently.
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Dillon mentioned that the Justice Department is considering using the Freedom of Admissions Act. This 1994 federal law includes provisions against interference with religious services and conspiracy charges.
Dillon explained that prosecutors have already established “the necessary groundwork” for pursuing charges, particularly using Lemon’s own videos and statements as key evidence.
The Justice Department acted “quickly and decisively” after reviewing footage posted by Lemon from a protest where activists disrupted a church service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.
According to Dillon, a team was dispatched to collect affidavits and evidence, based on what she characterized as Lemon’s own “confession.” She noted that during the 48 hours between the request for an arrest warrant and the actual arrest, there was silence from the department due to the magistrate not approving certain requests.
“He’s definitely still under legal scrutiny,” Dillon asserted about Lemon.
“He has retained a lawyer—one with a strong reputation—and we’re pursuing this case vigorously,” she continued.
The protests stemmed from the shooting death of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old American killed in an ICE enforcement operation earlier this month.
Protesters specifically targeted Cities Church, claiming a pastor there is also a senior ICE official. They interrupted the service, confronting church leaders as families and children looked on.
Lemon opted to livestream the event on an independent media platform, documenting the interactions between protesters and clergy.
He consistently argued that he was merely acting as a journalist, not as a protest organizer.
While federal authorities arrested two organizers of the protests and charged them, Lemon himself faced no charges.
Dillon criticized Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison for suggesting that the FACE Act might not apply to places of worship, calling his remarks “clearly false” and labeling them ignorant.
She claimed this marks the second instance where the Justice Department has used the FACE Act in relation to a church, dismissing Ellison’s statements as a “conflict of interest.”
Dillon also accused the magistrate of demonstrating bias in denying charges connected to Lemon.
She clarified that the magistrate is a lower-ranking official, expressing disappointment over what she sees as a biased decision.
“This case isn’t done,” she assured. “We’re not backing down at all.” She mentioned that they have only identified a handful of individuals linked to what she termed “mob action.”
“No one who intruded into this sacred space and upset families will go unpunished,” Dillon vowed. She noted that the Justice Department is investigating further to discern who was behind financing and organizing the protests.
“We are looking into the organization and funding of these events,” she stated.
Throughout the case discussions, Dillon dismissed Lemon’s claims of unfair treatment or racial targeting, questioning who believes that Lemon is a victim.
“That designation is quite offensive,” she remarked, drawing from her own experiences growing up.
She pointed out the oddity of Lemon speaking publicly while having legal representation.
“Thanks for exposing privileged communications,” she remarked sarcastically.
Dillon emphasized that the arrests were prompt for department standards, given the protests happened less than a week ago.
President Trump echoed this, condemning the protests aimed at a church and labeling Lemon a “loser” and “frivolous” in a separate briefing.
A judge’s refusal to charge Lemon while allowing charges against the protest organizers has sparked mixed reactions, boosting press freedom advocates while frustrating administration supporters.
Dillon indicated that they would persist with their efforts, adding there are “definitely more chapters to this story.”
Lemon took on a defiant tone recently, claiming he stands firm amidst the ongoing scrutiny. “This isn’t a victory lap; it’s not over yet,” he stated on his YouTube show.
He anticipates further legal efforts against him, asserting, “So what? I’m still here. Good luck.” He believes that prosecution threats won’t silence him, insisting, “I’m not going to lower my voice.”
Lemon challenged authorities to escalate the case, insisting, “Go ahead. Make me the new Jimmy Kimmel if that’s what you want.” He accused the government of misusing its power, framing it as a matter of control rather than justice.
Lemon also questioned AG Pam Bondi’s reported frustrations about the magistrate’s decision, suggesting she might be weaponizing the legal process instead of seeking truth.
The newspaper has reached out to Ellison for his comments.
