Don Lemon Faces Civil Rights Charges Over Minnesota Church Coverage

Seven individuals, including former CNN anchor Don Lemon and another journalist, have been charged with violating two federal laws in connection with a protest that disrupted a worship service in Minnesota earlier this month. The protest targeted a local field office director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who also serves as a pastor at the church.

The Protest and Initial Reactions

The group entered the Cities Church in St. Paul on January 18, expressing their concerns about the ICE director’s dual role. The incident drew condemnation from President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and various religious leaders.

Charges and Legal Concerns

Don Lemon and independent journalist Georgia Fort are among those charged. Five others involved in organizing the protest also face charges. Details of the allegations remain partially sealed. Legal experts and media groups have expressed concern that the charges could have a chilling effect on media coverage of the Trump administration. David Harris, a University of Pittsburgh law professor, noted that while charges related to disrupting religious exercise are potentially tenable, charging journalists for covering the event is troubling. He emphasized the role of journalists in providing public access to information.

Federal Laws Involved

The charges stem from two federal laws passed over a century apart. One is the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act), originally enacted in 1994 to protect access to abortion clinics and their staff. It includes a provision addressing disruptions of worship services. While initially focused on clinic protections, the law has faced criticism from anti-abortion conservatives. The Trump administration previously pardoned individuals convicted of blocking clinics and scaled back FACE Act prosecutions. The Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to the law’s constitutionality last year. Republicans have attempted to repeal the FACE Act, and the Justice Department has invoked it in a lawsuit against demonstrators protesting outside a synagogue. Violations of the FACE Act can result in fines or imprisonment.

The other charge is based on the Conspiracy Against Rights law, originally enacted after the Civil War to target groups like the Ku Klux Klan. This law prohibits actions intended to prevent individuals from exercising their constitutional rights. It has been used in various cases, including the “Mississippi Burning” investigation. Violations of this law carry a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison, or more if injuries, death, or property damage occurred.

Defense Arguments and Media Response

Legal experts argue that journalists covering events should not be considered participants in those events. Jonathan Manes, senior counsel at the MacArthur Justice Center, stated that criminally charging journalists for covering a protest is astonishing and that journalists’ presence is crucial for public awareness.