In brief
Don Lemon, along with civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong, is set to be arraigned in Minnesota federal court for allegedly disrupting a church service where an ICE official was present. Lemon has previously stated his intention to plead not guilty to federal civil rights charges related to his coverage of the protest, which was sparked by the recent fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer. This event has drawn national attention and highlighted tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the state.
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Former CNN host turned independent journalist Don Lemon is set to be arraigned in federal court in Minnesota on Friday along with civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong and three other defendants charged with their roles in disrupting a church service where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official served as the pastor.Lemon and Armstrong, whose photo shared by the White House was altered to falsely depict her crying during a protest, plan to plead not guilty to the federal civil rights charges. The incident at Cities Church on January 18 involved protesters chanting against ICE following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis. Lemon asserts he was merely reporting on the event for his livestream show and had no affiliation with the protestors.The legal representation for Lemon indicates a significant focus on the implications of protests against immigration enforcement as they are legally challenged. Federal civil rights law prohibits interference with religious activities, and the charges carry serious penalties.The case unfolds amidst a backdrop of increasing tension regarding immigration policies and raised concerns over the treatment of individuals by law enforcement in Minnesota. Lemon emphasized the vital role of a free press, stating, “I will not stop now, especially at this crucial moment for holding those in power accountable.”
