Former CNN anchor Don Lemon said he was doing “an act of journalism” after the Justice Department attempted to charge him over an anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church.
A federal magistrate judge declined to sign off on the proposed criminal complaint against Lemon, according to a person familiar with the matter. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the proceedings.
The case stems from a protest Sunday at Cities Church in St. Paul. Demonstrators disrupted a worship service and chanted “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good.”
Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis earlier this month. Protesters demanded accountability in her death.
Lemon entered the church as the protest unfolded and livestreamed parts of the scene. He said he was not affiliated with the organizers.
“Once the protest started in the church we did an act of journalism,” Lemon said in a video posted online. “Which was report on it and talk to the people involved.”
“That’s it,” Lemon continued. “That’s called journalism.”
Lawyer Calls it Protected Reporting
Lemon’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, criticized the government’s effort and framed it as an attack on press freedom.
In a statement reported by multiple outlets, Lowell said Lemon’s actions were “constitutionally protected activity as a journalist.”
Lowell also accused the Justice Department of trying to punish Lemon for covering a newsworthy event.
It was not immediately clear what charges prosecutors had sought to file against Lemon. The judge’s refusal prevented the complaint from moving forward at that stage.
However, federal authorities could still pursue other legal options. Prosecutors may return to a magistrate judge or seek an indictment from a grand jury.
While Lemon was not charged, three other people linked to the church protest were arrested, authorities said.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrest of civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong in a post on X. Bondi later announced additional arrests.
Officials said those arrested include Armstrong, St. Paul school board member Chauntyll Allen, and activist William Kelly.
The Justice Department opened a civil rights investigation after the disruption at the church.
The developments came as Vice President JD Vance traveled to Minnesota and warned that protesters could face legal consequences.