Former Federal Prosecutor Representing Don Lemon in Church Protest Case

Thompson resigned amid dispute with Trump administration, now leads defense for CNN host charged in disruption of service

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A former federal prosecutor who quit amid a dispute with the Trump administration is now representing former CNN host Don Lemon, who was one of nine people indicted for their alleged roles in disrupting a service at a Minnesota church where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official was a pastor. Lemon has hired former interim U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson, who had been leading the investigation and prosecution of major fraud cases for the Minnesota U.S. Attorney's Office until he resigned last month.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing tensions between federal prosecutors and the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies, as several prosecutors have left the Minnesota U.S. Attorney's Office amid frustration over the administration's crackdown. Lemon's high-profile representation by a former federal prosecutor also raises questions about the strength of the government's case against him.

The details

Lemon had previously said through another attorney that he planned to plead not guilty to federal civil rights charges over his coverage of the church protest. He has said he was not affiliated with the group that disrupted the church service, and that he was there in his capacity as an independent journalist. The indictment alleges various actions by the group that entered the church, including what Lemon said as he reported on the event for his livestream show.

  • Lemon is scheduled to be arraigned on Feb. 13 in federal court in St. Paul.
  • Thompson recently formed his own law firm with Harry Jacobs, another former federal prosecutor who resigned amid the upheaval in the office.

The players

Don Lemon

Former CNN host who was one of nine people indicted for their alleged roles in disrupting a service at a Minnesota church where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official was a pastor.

Joe Thompson

Former interim U.S. Attorney who was leading the investigation and prosecution of major fraud cases for the Minnesota U.S. Attorney's Office until he resigned last month. He is now representing Lemon in the church protest case.

Harry Jacobs

Another former federal prosecutor who resigned amid the upheaval in the Minnesota U.S. Attorney's Office. He has formed a law firm with Thompson.

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What they’re saying

“Lemon had previously said through another attorney that he planned to plead not guilty to federal civil rights charges over his coverage of the church protest. He has said he was not affiliated with the group that disrupted the church service, and that he was there in his capacity as an independent journalist.”

— Don Lemon (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Lemon's arraignment on February 13.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing tensions between federal prosecutors and the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies, as well as the challenges facing journalists covering politically charged events. The high-profile representation of Lemon by a former federal prosecutor also raises questions about the strength of the government's case against him.