Don Lemon pleads not guilty to 2 charges in Minnesota church protest case

Former CNN journalist faces federal charges related to live coverage of protest at church service led by ICE-affiliated pastor

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Former CNN journalist and veteran reporter Don Lemon has pleaded not guilty on two federal charges related to his live coverage of a protest at a Minnesota church service led by an ICE-affiliated pastor. Lemon was among nine people charged with conspiring to violate religious freedoms at a house of worship, and with injuring, intimidating, and interfering with the exercise of religious freedoms at a place of worship.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about the potential criminalization of journalism, as Lemon maintains he was simply covering the protest in his capacity as a reporter. The charges also highlight ongoing tensions between law enforcement, immigration activists, and the media.

The details

Lemon appeared in federal court in St. Paul along with four other defendants, all of whom pleaded not guilty. Lemon's attorney, Abbe Lowell, stated that the charges are an "unprecedented attack on the First Amendment and transparent attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration." Lemon was arrested in the early hours when he went back to his hotel after attending a pre-Grammys event in Los Angeles, with law enforcement allegedly not initially identifying themselves or having a warrant.

  • On January 18, the protest at the Minnesota church service took place.
  • On February 14, 2026, Lemon appeared in federal court and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The players

Don Lemon

Former CNN journalist and reporter who now produces news content for his YouTube show, The Don Lemon Show.

Abbe Lowell

Lemon's attorney, who stated that the charges are an "unprecedented attack on the First Amendment and transparent attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration."

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What they’re saying

“The power and protection of the First Amendment has been the underpinning of my work. The First Amendment, the freedom of the press, is the bedrock of our democracy.”

— Don Lemon (The New York Times)

“Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done. This unprecedented attack on the First Amendment and transparent attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration will not stand. Don will fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court.”

— Abbe Lowell, Lemon's attorney (Entertainment Weekly)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on a future date whether to allow Lemon out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement, immigration activists, and the media, and raises concerns about the potential criminalization of journalism. It underscores the importance of protecting the First Amendment and the freedom of the press, which are essential to a healthy democracy.