Choose Rejects DOJ Try to Cost Don Lemon Over Church Protest
*A federal Justice of the Peace choose in Minnesota has blocked the Trump administration’s Justice Division from submitting prison costs towards former CNN anchor Don Lemon. The ruling, issued on January 22, 2026, stops any speedy arrest for Lemon’s livestream protection of an anti-ICE protest inside Cities Church close to St. Paul.
The DOJ tried to cost Lemon underneath the FACE Act, which protects spiritual areas. However Choose Douglas Micko refused to approve the prison criticism, calling Lemon’s position protected journalism, not unlawful protest.
Bondi Fumes After Court docket Halts Lemon Case
Lawyer Common Pam Bondi, a Trump appointee, was reportedly “enraged” after the ruling. She had pushed for costs, accusing Lemon of encouraging a “coordinated assault” on a home of worship.
In response to DOJ insiders, Bondi is now heading to Minnesota personally. In the meantime, different protesters from the incident have already been arrested and charged.
Lemon Defends Protection as First Modification Journalism
Lemon has denied participating within the protest, saying he was solely documenting it as a journalist. He streamed the occasion dwell from inside Cities Church as protesters interrupted the service and confronted a pastor linked to ICE.
“I used to be doing my job,” Lemon stated. “There’s a distinction between reporting on a second and inciting one.”
The choose agreed—for now. However the DOJ nonetheless has the choice to refile costs or search a grand jury indictment.
Church Protest Sparks Federal Crackdown and Excessive-Profile Arrests
The protest on January 19 focused Pastor David Easterwood, accused by activists of being related to ICE operations. Chanting “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good,” the group disrupted the church service.
Federal authorities responded rapidly. On the identical day because the Lemon listening to, the FBI and DHS arrested a number of alleged organizers, together with:
Nekima Levy Armstrong – civil rights legal professional and Racial Justice Community founder
Chauntyll Allen – St. Paul college board member
William Scott (aka “DaWokeFarmer”) – activist/content material creator
They face federal conspiracy costs underneath 18 U.S.C. § 241 for allegedly interfering with the free train of faith.
Homeland Safety Investigators and FBI brokers arrested Nekima Levy Armstrong who performed a key position in orchestrating the Church Riots in St. Paul, Minnesota.
She is being charged with a federal crime underneath 18 USC 241.
Spiritual freedom is the bedrock of america -… pic.twitter.com/LHh994fXf3
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) January 22, 2026
DOJ Pushes FACE Act—However Critics See Press Suppression
Bondi used the FACE Act to justify the tried costs, claiming Lemon’s stream interfered with spiritual worship. However critics say this can be a stretch—and an assault on press freedom.
Authorized consultants argue it units a harmful precedent to cost a journalist for masking a protest, even in a spiritual setting.
Nicki Minaj Requires Lemon’s Arrest—Backlash Ensues
Nicki Minaj joined the net uproar, surprisingly backing Bondi’s place. She tweeted that “Don Lemon needs to be held accountable like anybody else.”
Followers and activists clapped again onerous, calling her out for supporting what many see as a political prosecution.
Why This Case Might Redefine Press Rights in Protest Zones
This ruling could also be a win for Don Lemon, but it surely opens a bigger debate: the place is the road between journalism and interference?
With the Trump administration cracking down on protests and dissent, the authorized stakes for reporters masking such occasions are increased than ever.
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