On January 18, when Don Lemon (a former CNN anchor) got arrested and charged in connection to this incident at Cities Church in St Paul, MN, Don and others were in attendance for an ongoing religious service. Don entered the church because he and others were protesting ICE. The group alleged that one of the pastors at the church had a working relationship with ICE. The protest led to escalating tensions between worshippers and protesters as the protest commenced and disrupted the service.
Arrest and Court Appearance
Federal agents arrested Lemon and eventually released him once he appeared in court; however, Lemon did not enter a plea. After being released, Lemon spoke with reporters and stated that he was arrested while doing his job as a journalist. He also stated that he was guilty only of reporting on the news and that he would not be silenced. Lemon described his arrest as an affront to the First Amendment.
Charges Filed Against Lemon
Prosecutors previously charged Lemon with both conspiracy to deprive rights and conspiracy to interfere with religious freedoms. Authorities have alleged that Lemon and others engaged in actions which amounted to a disruption of the church service; additionally, that they intimidated parishioners of the church and blocked access to the inside of the church to individuals who wished to move freely within its confines. The indictment described Lemon as assisting in maintaining confidentiality for the plan of the protest, as well as being a participant in a coordinated action when he entered the church on the date of the occurrence.
What Prosecutors Are Alleging
The authorities contend that Lemon and the other demonstrators occupied the primary aisle plus front seating areas of the church, creating chaos and creating fear. Additionally, prosecutors allege that Lemon confronted congregants at the church entrance and physically impeded the exiting congregants on the way out. Video evidence shows demonstrators and congregants arguing loudly with one another during the worship service.
Lemon’s Response and Legal Defence
Lemon claims that he was at the protest as a member of the press and is therefore not responsible for the actions of protesters. Lemon’s attorney has issued a statement indicating that Lemon will vigorously contest these charges in court and believes that this case represents an unprecedented assault on the First Amendment by the government and serves to draw attention away from other national issues.
Political and Public Reactions
Nationwide responses have been widespread. The Trump Administration is defending the charges as being related to an organised assault on the right to practise one’s religion freely. The White House posted a social media entry seemingly mocking Lemon’s arrest. At the same time, CNN stated that many of their journalists are extremely concerned regarding freedom of the press. Karen Bass, the Mayor of Los Angeles, stated that Lemon’s arrest was extremely shocking and very frightening.
Broader Concerns About Press Freedom
Recent events have brought new anxiety for free speech proponents. It also follows another very recent event in which a federal officer executed a search warrant at a journalist’s home. The ongoing protests in Minneapolis against Immigration and Customs Enforcement have added more drama to the struggle between government power and the ability for news organisations to conduct their business free from harassment.