Former CNN Host Don Lemon Responds to DOJ Criticism Over Minnesota Church Protest Coverage
Independent journalist and former CNN host Don Lemon has publicly addressed criticism from the Department of Justice's civil rights chief after being placed "on notice" for his coverage of an anti-ICE protest at a church in Minnesota. The controversy centers on a demonstration that disrupted a Sunday morning service at Cities Church in St. Paul, where protesters alleged the pastor was a top ICE official in the state.
DOJ Official Issues Stern Warning and Legal Threats
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon announced on Sunday night that the Department of Justice would pursue charges against the protesters involved in the church disruption. In a strongly worded statement, Dhillon criticized Lemon's reporting as "pseudo journalism" and explicitly warned that he was "on notice." She emphasized that houses of worship are protected spaces under federal law and not public forums for protest activities.
Dhillon escalated her position during an interview with conservative influencer Benny Johnson, stating that "the fullest force of the federal government" would be deployed to prevent similar incidents. She suggested that Lemon's journalistic status did not shield him from potential legal consequences, even floating the possibility of invoking the Enforcement Act of 1871, historically known as the Ku Klux Klan Act, which prohibits conspiracies to violate constitutional rights.
Lemon Defends His Journalistic Role and Criticizes Response
In an interview with podcaster Jennifer Welch, Lemon firmly rejected the allegations against him, stating, "None of what she says there applies to me. There's no evidence. I have no affiliation with the organization. I have no planning of any of this. I am a journalist reporting." He expressed frustration at being portrayed as the face of a protest he was merely covering, noting that other journalists were present at the scene.
The former CNN host also criticized churchgoers who felt traumatized by the protest, suggesting they should engage in "a bit of self-reflection" given ICE's operations that affect migrant communities. Lemon argued that concerns about humanitarian issues should take precedence over personal inconvenience during worship services.
Political Figures Amplify Controversy and Call for Action
The incident has drawn reactions from prominent political figures, adding fuel to the ongoing debate. Former President Donald Trump condemned the protest on Truth Social, referring to it as a "church raid" and labeling demonstrators as "agitators and insurrectionists" who should face legal consequences.
Billionaire Elon Musk joined the conversation on X, asserting that "crime is crime" and that Lemon should "pay the price" for his involvement, though he did not specify what criminal acts he believed had occurred.
Lemon Highlights Online Harassment and Shifts Focus to Broader Issues
In communications with NBC News, Lemon revealed that he has faced a barrage of violent threats, homophobic slurs, and racist attacks online, primarily from MAGA supporters and right-wing media outlets. He described this response as "telling" and indicative of broader political dynamics at play.
The journalist redirected attention to what he sees as the root cause of the protest: the tragic death of Renee Nicole Good, which initially motivated demonstrators to take to the streets. Lemon suggested that the energy spent on manufactured outrage would be better utilized investigating such serious matters rather than targeting journalists doing their jobs.
The Department of Homeland Security has maintained its position regarding the pastor's potential connection to ICE, with a spokesperson stating they "will never confirm or deny attempts to dox our law enforcement officers." It remains unclear whether Pastor David Easterwood was present during the protest, adding another layer of uncertainty to the unfolding situation.
