Don Lemon Released on Recognizance After Felony Indictment in Worship Interference Case

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon, long a vocal promoter of disruptive activism and anti-enforcement rhetoric, now faces federal accountability after embedding himself with agitators who stormed a sacred worship service.

The Trump administration has drawn a firm line: no one gets a free pass to violate others' constitutional rights under the guise of reporting.

A federal grand jury in Minnesota indicted Lemon and eight others on two counts: conspiracy against rights (18 U.S.C. § 241), a felony involving agreement to injure, oppress, threaten or intimidate persons in exercising constitutional rights; and violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act (18 U.S.C. § 248), prohibiting use of force, threats or physical obstruction to interfere with religious freedom at a place of worship.

The charges arise from a Jan. 18 incident at Cities Church in St. Paul, where protesters, upset over a pastor's role as ICE's St. Paul field office leader, entered during a service, occupied aisles and seats, chanted "ICE out" and "Justice for Renee Good," blew whistles, gestured aggressively and created perceived threats of violence.

Congregants, including children, reported intimidation and obstruction.

Prosecutors allege Lemon attended a pre-protest briefing in a parking lot, reminded co-conspirators to maintain secrecy about the target, thanked activist Nekima Levy Armstrong, livestreamed while describing a "resistance" operation, physically obstructed congregants trying to leave, surrounded the pastor and asked questions to advance the protesters' message.

The indictment cites Lemon's own video where he acknowledged the disruption's purpose.

Prosecutors say these actions crossed from observation into active participation and conspiracy to deprive worshippers of their First Amendment rights.

Lemon was arrested overnight Thursday in Los Angeles while covering the Grammy Awards.

He was released Friday on his own recognizance without bond after a court appearance.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Robbins called Lemon part of a "mob that stormed into a church."

Lemon addressed reporters, defending the far-left activism he brands as journalism.

"I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now. In fact there is no more important time than right now, this very moment, for a free and independent media that shines a light on the truth and holds those in power accountable."

"I will not be silenced," he added. "The First Amendment of the Constitution protects that work for me and for countless of other journalists who do what I do. I stand with all of them, and I will not be silenced. I look forward to my day in court."

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced she personally sought Lemon's apprehension.

"At my direction, early this morning federal agents arrested Don Lemon, Trahern Jeen Crews, Georgia Fort, and Jamael Lydell Lundy, in connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota," Bondi wrote on X.

In a video, Bondi said, "Make no mistake. Under President Trump’s leadership and this administration, you have the right to worship freely and safely. And if I haven’t been clear already, if you violate that sacred right, we are coming after you."

Lemon's attorney Abbe Lowell called it an "unprecedented attack on the First Amendment."

Lemon plans to plead not guilty.

Was this a legitimate exercise of press freedom to document a protest against immigration enforcement, or did Lemon's alleged actions—maintaining secrecy, obstructing exits and aiding disruption—cross into felony conspiracy that deprived congregants of their constitutional right to worship in peace?

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