Don Lemon Hires Prosecutor Who Resigned Over Minnesota Probes

The former CNN anchor has brought on an attorney who recently left the U.S. attorney's office in Minnesota.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Don Lemon has hired Joseph Thompson, a former federal prosecutor who recently resigned from the U.S. attorney's office in Minnesota, to represent him in an upcoming court appearance. Thompson had been the No. 2 official in the Minnesota office and helped lead an investigation into social services fraud, but resigned last month amid reports that the Justice Department was reluctant to investigate a federal agent involved in a fatal shooting.

Why it matters

Lemon is facing federal civil rights charges stemming from his coverage of a protest that interrupted a St. Paul church service. The high-profile case has drawn significant attention, and Lemon's decision to hire Thompson, a seasoned prosecutor, suggests he is taking a aggressive legal approach to defend himself.

The details

According to a new court filing, Thompson informed the judge on Tuesday that he will represent Lemon ahead of his next court appearance, which is scheduled for Friday. Thompson resigned last month from the U.S. attorney's office in Minnesota, where he had served as the No. 2 official and helped lead an investigation into social services fraud. His resignation came amid reports that the Justice Department was reluctant to investigate a federal agent involved in the fatal shooting of Renée Good in Minneapolis.

  • Lemon's next court appearance is scheduled for Friday.
  • Thompson resigned from the U.S. attorney's office in Minnesota last month.

The players

Don Lemon

The former CNN anchor who is facing federal civil rights charges.

Joseph Thompson

The attorney who recently resigned from the U.S. attorney's office in Minnesota and will now represent Lemon.

Renée Good

The individual who was fatally shot by a federal agent in Minneapolis, an incident that Thompson's former office was reportedly reluctant to investigate.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Friday whether to allow Lemon to continue being represented by Thompson, given Thompson's recent resignation from the U.S. attorney's office that was prosecuting Lemon.

The takeaway

Lemon's decision to hire a seasoned former federal prosecutor like Thompson suggests he is taking an aggressive legal approach to defend himself against the federal civil rights charges he is facing. The case has drawn significant attention, and Lemon's legal team is shaping up to be high-profile.