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A federal magistrate judge has declined the Justice Department’s initial request to bring criminal charges against journalist Don Lemon following his presence at an anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protest inside a Minnesota church.
According to a source familiar with the matter, the decision came after federal authorities reviewed Lemon’s role during the protest, which took place at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, over the weekend. The demonstration interrupted a church service and led to confrontations between protesters and congregants.
This case has drawn national attention due to Lemon’s status as a high-profile journalist and former CNN host. Coverage of the legal developments continues as the Department of Justice evaluates potential next steps.
Federal Magistrate Judge Rejects Initial DOJ Charges
The federal magistrate judge’s decision represents a rejection of the Justice Department’s first attempt to formally charge Don Lemon in connection with the protest at Cities Church. A source told CNN that the ruling prevented prosecutors from immediately moving forward with criminal charges tied to Lemon’s presence during the incident. “The Attorney General is enraged at the magistrate judge’s decision,” a person familiar with the matter said.
Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly traveled to Minnesota following the ruling and spent two days meeting with federal prosecutors from the state. The meetings focused on reviewing the case and discussing the legal options available after the judge’s decision.
Federal magistrate judges are responsible for determining whether probable cause exists to support criminal charges. In this case, the judge did not find sufficient grounds at this stage to approve charges against Lemon.
However, legal experts note that a rejected charging request does not permanently prevent prosecutors from revisiting the matter. The Department of Justice retains the authority to submit additional evidence or pursue alternative legal pathways if it chooses to do so.
At this time, no new charges have been announced against Lemon. The Justice Department has not publicly detailed the specific reasons the judge declined the request.
Details Of The Anti-ICE Protest At Cities Church In St. Paul
The incident occurred on Sunday morning when dozens of anti-ICE protesters entered Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, during an ongoing worship service. According to reports from CNN, the group rushed into the church, interrupting proceedings and creating a tense situation inside the building.
The protest was part of broader demonstrations opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. Protesters inside the church engaged in verbal exchanges with congregants and church staff, prompting concern over safety and disruption.
Law enforcement later responded to the incident. The Justice Department has confirmed that two individuals involved in the protest have been arrested. Authorities have not released further details regarding the charges against those individuals.
Don Lemon was present during the protest. He has stated that he attended the event solely in a journalistic capacity and not as a participant in the demonstration.
Video footage posted by Lemon on YouTube shows him documenting the scene inside the church. In the video, Lemon can be heard explaining his role during the event.
“I’m just here photographing, I’m not part of the group… I’m a journalist,” Lemon said.
The video has been referenced in ongoing discussions regarding whether Lemon’s actions constituted lawful newsgathering or participation in the protest.
Don Lemon States He Was Present As A Journalist
Don Lemon, a former CNN anchor who now produces independent media content, has publicly stated that his presence at the church was for reporting purposes only. He has emphasized that he did not organize, lead, or participate in the protest.
Lemon shared footage from the event on his YouTube channel, documenting the moment protesters entered the church and the reactions that followed. Throughout the video, Lemon identifies himself as a journalist and states that he is observing and recording events as they unfold.
His statements have become central to the legal review surrounding the case. Journalists are generally protected under the First Amendment when gathering news in public settings, though legal boundaries can vary depending on circumstances.
CNN reported that its representatives have reached out to Lemon’s team for comment. At this time, Lemon has not announced any additional public statements beyond those already shared.
The distinction between journalistic observation and protest participation is expected to remain a key factor should federal prosecutors choose to revisit the case.
