ST. PAUL, Minn. (API) — Former CNN anchor turned independent journalist Don Lemon is scheduled for arraignment in federal court in Minnesota alongside four other defendants charged with interrupting a church service where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official served as the pastor.
Also appearing is civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong, known for a controversial image that was altered on an official White House account to depict her crying during her arrest. This incident occurred amidst a controversial immigration enforcement campaign that has seen significant protests since federal officer shootings in Minneapolis.
The arraignments on Friday will likely involve the defendants entering pleas and scheduling future court dates. It remains unclear whether Lemon will be present at the hearing or represented by his legal team, which has not commented publicly on the matter.
In total, nine individuals face charges in connection with the protest, with the next two defendants, including independent journalist Georgia Fort, set for arraignment the following week.
Reportedly, Lemon intends to plead not guilty to allegations of civil rights violations related to his coverage of the protest at Cities Church, which took place on January 18, when demonstrators interrupted the service, chanting against ICE and in memory of Renee Good, who was killed by an ICE officer.
Lemon has asserted that he was not part of the protest group, but rather attended as a journalist to cover the unfolding events for his livestream. I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now... for a free and independent media that shines a light on the truth and holds those in power accountable,” he stated following his arrest.
The protest has drawn criticism not just from conservative leaders but also from some in the religious community, who expressed unease about disrupting worship services. The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act prohibits interference with individuals exercising their First Amendment rights at places of worship, establishing penalties including imprisonment and fines.
Lemon's attorney, Joe Thompson, and other legal representatives have expressed their counterpoints to the charges, raising questions about the motivations behind the immigration crackdown during the Trump administration, which has seen several public officials resign over dissatisfaction with the treatment of immigration and civil rights issues.
