*Former CNN anchor turned independent journalist Don Lemon pleaded not guilty Friday to federal civil rights charges stemming from his coverage of a January 18 protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. The case has become a flashpoint in debates over press freedom, with Lemon vowing he will “not be intimidated” and will “not back down.”
The Legal Battle
A federal magistrate judge initially rejected the Department of Justice’s attempt to charge Lemon, citing insufficient evidence. However, a grand jury later indicted Lemon and eight others, leading to his February 13 arraignment where he entered a not guilty plea.
Lemon’s attorney Abbe Lowell stated on Lemon’s official Instagram account Thursday, noting that journalists’ First Amendment rights were “properly reinforced” by the federal judge’s initial ruling. The statement concludes: “Should the Department of Justice continue with a stunning and troubling effort to silence and punish a journalist for doing his job, Don will call out their latest attack on the rule of law and fight any charges vigorously and thoroughly in court.”
The Charges and Lemon’s Defense
The indictment alleges Lemon participated in a “coordinated takeover-style attack” on Cities Church, where protesters disrupted a service to confront Pastor David Easterwood, who also serves as an ICE field director. Prosecutors claim Lemon violated the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which prohibits interfering with religious worship.
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Lemon has consistently maintained he was working as a journalist. “For more than 30 years I’ve been a journalist, and the power and protection of the First Amendment has been the underpinning of my work,” he told reporters outside the courthouse.
Social Media Claims vs. Reality
Amid the legitimate legal proceedings, a sensationalized post from the account @mcafeenew has circulated online with the headline: “CHURCH FURY UNLEASHED: DON LEMON SLAPPED WITH $25 MILLION LAWSUIT After INVADING Sacred Prayer Service – ‘He CRUSHED Our 1st Amendment Rights in an UNGODLY ATTACK!'”
This claim appears to be false or exaggerated. No credible news sources—including the Associated Press, BBC, CNN, or court records—have reported any $25 million lawsuit filed by the church against Lemon. The actual legal action against Lemon consists of federal criminal charges, not a civil lawsuit from the church. Cities Church leaders have expressed gratitude for the Department of Justice’s involvement but have not announced any independent legal action.
What Happens Next
Attorney General Pam Bondi, reportedly “enraged” by the judge’s initial rejection of charges, has continued to push the case forward. Lemon’s defense team, including high-profile attorney Abbe Lowell and former federal prosecutor Joe Thompson, has signaled they will vigorously fight the charges on First Amendment grounds.
The National Association of Black Journalists has condemned the prosecution as part of “the government’s escalating effort and actions to criminalize and threaten press freedom under the guise of law enforcement.”
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