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Don Lemon Pleads Not Guilty In Minnesota Church Protest Case
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Journalist and former CNN anchor Don Lemon pleaded not guilty in a federal court in Minnesota on Friday to charges related to an anti-ICE protest at a church that Lemon covered. Lemon was arrested last month and accused of interfering with the First Amendment rights of those worshiping at Cities Church in St. Paul, where the protest interrupted a service, on Jan. 18. The church protest was in response to thousands of federal agents who flooded Minnesota to make arrests of immigrants, and two U.S. citizens who were fatally shot by agents. Lemon was seen recording the interactions of anti-ICE demonstrators who were upset with the church’s pastor for working with immigration officials. In an indictment, Lemon and several other defendants are accused of conducting “a takeover-style attack” at the church, despite there being no physical violence during the demonstration. The indictment also accuses Lemon of lightly admonishing the pastor. “While talking with the pastor, defendant LEMON stood so close to the pastor that LEMON caused the pastor’s right hand to graze LEMON, who then admonished the pastor, ‘Please don’t push me,’” the indictment said. Lemon was charged with conspiracy against the rights of religious freedom at a place of worship and injuring, intimidating and interfering with the exercise of the right of religious freedom at a place of worship. Lemon told reporters outside the courthouse Friday that he will fight the charges against him. “This isn’t just about me, this is about all journalists, especially in the United States,” Lemon said. “For more than 30 years, I’ve been a journalist, and the power and protection of the First Amendment has been the underpinning of my work.” Lemon added that he would “not be silenced” by the Trump administration. “The process is the punishment with them,” he said. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.