Judge Rejects DOJ Attempt to Charge Don Lemon Over Church Protest
*A federal magistrate judge in Minnesota has blocked the Trump administration’s Justice Department from filing criminal charges against former CNN anchor Don Lemon. The ruling, issued on January 22, 2026, stops any immediate arrest for Lemon’s livestream coverage of an anti-ICE protest inside Cities Church near St. Paul.
The DOJ tried to charge Lemon under the FACE Act, which protects religious spaces. But Judge Douglas Micko refused to approve the criminal complaint, calling Lemon’s role protected journalism, not illegal protest.
Bondi Fumes After Court Halts Lemon Case
Attorney General Pam Bondi, a Trump appointee, was reportedly “enraged” after the ruling. She had pushed for charges, accusing Lemon of encouraging a “coordinated attack” on a house of worship.
According to DOJ insiders, Bondi is now heading to Minnesota personally. Meanwhile, other protesters from the incident have already been arrested and charged.
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Lemon Defends Coverage as First Amendment Journalism
Lemon has denied taking part in the protest, saying he was only documenting it as a journalist. He streamed the event live from inside Cities Church as protesters interrupted the service and confronted a pastor linked to ICE.
“I was doing my job,” Lemon said. “There’s a difference between reporting on a moment and inciting one.”
The judge agreed—for now. But the DOJ still has the option to refile charges or seek a grand jury indictment.
Church Protest Sparks Federal Crackdown and High-Profile Arrests
The protest on January 19 targeted Pastor David Easterwood, accused by activists of being connected to ICE operations. Chanting “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good,” the group disrupted the church service.
Federal authorities responded quickly. On the same day as the Lemon hearing, the FBI and DHS arrested several alleged organizers, including:
- Nekima Levy Armstrong – civil rights attorney and Racial Justice Network founder
- Chauntyll Allen – St. Paul school board member
- William Scott (aka “DaWokeFarmer”) – activist/content creator
They face federal conspiracy charges under 18 U.S.C. § 241 for allegedly interfering with the free exercise of religion.
Homeland Security Investigators and FBI agents arrested Nekima Levy Armstrong who played a key role in orchestrating the Church Riots in St. Paul, Minnesota.
She is being charged with a federal crime under 18 USC 241.
Religious freedom is the bedrock of the United States -… pic.twitter.com/LHh994fXf3
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) January 22, 2026
DOJ Pushes FACE Act—But Critics See Press Suppression
Bondi used the FACE Act to justify the attempted charges, claiming Lemon’s stream interfered with religious worship. But critics say this is a stretch—and an attack on press freedom.
Legal experts argue it sets a dangerous precedent to charge a journalist for covering a protest, even in a religious setting.
Nicki Minaj Calls for Lemon’s Arrest—Backlash Ensues
Nicki Minaj joined the online uproar, surprisingly backing Bondi’s position. She tweeted that “Don Lemon should be held accountable like anyone else.”
Fans and activists clapped back hard, calling her out for supporting what many see as a political prosecution.
Why This Case Could Redefine Press Rights in Protest Zones
This ruling may be a win for Don Lemon, but it opens a larger debate: where is the line between journalism and interference?
With the Trump administration cracking down on protests and dissent, the legal stakes for reporters covering such events are higher than ever.
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