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 to express 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. Details of the allegations against them remain partially sealed. Legal experts and media groups have expressed concern that the charges could have a chilling effect on news coverage, particularly regarding the Trump administration. David Harris, a University of Pittsburgh law professor, noted that while charges related to disrupting religious exercise may be tenable, charging journalists for covering the disruption is problematic. 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 One is the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act), originally enacted in 1994 to protect access to abortion clinics and their staff.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. The other is the Conspiracy Against Rights law, initially designed to target groups like the Ku Klux Klan and prevent intimidation of constitutional rights.

The FACE Act: History and Recent Developments

The FACE Act has faced scrutiny, with some conservative groups criticizing its clinic protection provisions. Former President Trump pardoned individuals convicted of blocking clinic entrances and his Justice Department scaled back FACE Act prosecutions, citing concerns about its weaponization. Despite the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, the court declined to hear a challenge to the FACE Act’s constitutionality. Republican lawmakers have attempted to repeal the 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 Conspiracy Against Rights Law: Origins and Application

The Conspiracy Against Rights law, originally enacted after the Civil War, prohibits intimidating or preventing the exercise of constitutional rights. It has been used in various cases, including the “Mississippi Burning” killings and instances of church arson and political conspiracy. Violations can carry a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, with harsher penalties for offenses involving injury, death, or property damage.

Defense Arguments and the Role of Journalism

Legal experts, such as Jonathan Manes of the MacArthur Justice Center, argue that journalists covering protests should not be charged with conspiracy. They emphasize the importance of journalists as witnesses and sources of information for the public. Harris echoed this sentiment, stating that journalists provide a crucial perspective on government actions.