Don Lemon Pleads Not Guilty in Minnesota Church Protest Case
Don Lemon pleaded not guilty in a Minnesota federal court to charges tied to a Jan. 18 church protest, and prosecutors said his phone is in DHS custody under a sealed warrant.
Overview
Don Lemon pleaded not guilty in a federal court in Minnesota on Friday to charges that he interfered with worshipers at Cities Church, according to an indictment.
The charges arise from a Jan. 18 protest at Cities Church that interrupted a service and followed a federal immigration enforcement operation involving thousands of agents and two U.S. citizens fatally shot, according to court filings.
Lemon told reporters he will fight the charges and said the case "isn't just about me" and concerns First Amendment protections, and he added he would "not be silenced" by the Trump administration.
Video showed Lemon recording and appearing to coordinate with protesters, thanking and kissing Nekima Levy Armstrong, who is also charged, as an indictment described a "takeover-style attack".
Prosecutors said Lemon's phone is in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security under a sealed search warrant and cannot be returned until the search is completed.
Analysis
Analysis unavailable for this viewpoint.
Sources (5)
FAQ
Don Lemon faces federal charges of conspiracy against rights of religious freedom and injuring, intimidating, or interfering with the exercise of religious freedom under the FACE Act.[2]
The FACE Act (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act) of 1994 prohibits interference or intimidation with religious freedom at places of worship; it is typically used for abortion clinics but here applies to the church disruption, with penalties up to 1 year in prison and $10,000 fine.
Protesters targeted Cities Church because one pastor serves as acting director of the St. Paul ICE field office, chanting 'ICE out' and 'Justice for Renee Good' after ICE-related fatal shootings.[1]
Prosecutors cite Lemon recording video, coordinating with protesters, thanking and kissing co-defendant Nekima Levy Armstrong, physically obstructing congregants, and surrounding the pastor during the church takeover.[0]
Other charged include Nekima Levy Armstrong, Georgia Fort, Trahern Jeen Crews, and Jamael Lydell Lundy; Lemon claims he was present solely as a journalist reporting, not protesting, and argues First Amendment protections.[1]
History
This story does not have any previous versions.