Federal Judge Dismisses Charges Against Journalist Don Lemon in Controversial Church Protest

Federal Judge Dismisses Charges Against Journalist Don Lemon in Controversial Church Protest

By Paul V. Young – TheNATIONWEEK.com | January 23, 2026

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – In a significant legal setback for the Justice Department, a federal magistrate judge has dismissed charges against journalist Don Lemon related to his presence at a protest that breached a St. Paul church. This decision raises critical First Amendment concerns regarding the prosecution of journalists covering politically charged events.

Lemon, a former CNN anchor now working independently, attended a demonstration targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Cities Church in St. Paul. The protest disrupted a Sunday service and led to confrontations between demonstrators and church attendees.

Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly expressed frustration with the ruling, having engaged in discussions with federal prosecutors in Minnesota prior to the decision.

Video footage shows Lemon identifying himself as a journalist documenting the event. “I’m just here photographing, I’m not part of the group… I’m a journalist,” he stated, emphasizing the protections afforded to journalists covering public events.

The Justice Department’s justification for pursuing charges against Lemon was based on claims that his presence on private property was unauthorized and that the protest disrupted the religious service, infringing upon the rights of churchgoers.

Historically, the Justice Department has been reluctant to pursue criminal charges against journalists, recognizing the chilling effect such actions can have on press freedom. Cases like this typically undergo intense scrutiny and can lead to protracted legal battles over First Amendment protections.

Abbe Lowell, Lemon’s attorney, hailed the decision as a vindication of his client’s rights as a journalist. “This ruling affirms Mr. Lemon’s right to report on matters of public interest without fear of government reprisal,” Lowell stated. “We are prepared to vigorously defend his rights should the Justice Department choose to pursue this matter further.”

While the initial charges have been dismissed, the Justice Department retains the option to revisit the case and file new charges against Lemon.

The protest occurred amid escalating tensions in Minneapolis, fueled by the Trump administration’s immigration policies and the recent fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE officer. These events have sparked unrest and prompted plans for an increased federal law enforcement presence in the region.

During the demonstration at Cities Church, protesters alleged that Pastor David Easterwood had ties to ICE, demanding answers from another pastor leading the service. Video footage captured the escalating conflict, with protesters chanting and engaging in heated exchanges with congregants.

In the wake of the protest, the Justice Department has made arrests related to the demonstrations, signaling a broader crackdown on dissent amidst contentious immigration enforcement actions. The case against Lemon, however, stands apart due to its potential implications for press freedom.

The outcome of this case will be closely watched by media organizations and civil liberties advocates, as it could set a precedent for the government’s ability to prosecute journalists covering protests and other newsworthy events.

TheNATIONWEEK.com will continue to update this report as more information becomes available.