Don Lemon Sued for 'Severe Emotional Distress' Over Minneapolis Church Protest

Churchgoer claims journalist acted with protesters and appeared to "take satisfaction in the disruption"

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Don Lemon, the former CNN anchor, has been sued by a churchgoer named Ann Doucette for 'severe emotional distress, fear, anxiety and trauma' following an anti-ICE protest that took place during a church service in Minneapolis. Doucette claims Lemon did not simply livestream the event but 'appeared to take satisfaction in the disruption' and that protesters assisted him with 'logistics and local contacts in support of the operation'.

Why it matters

This case raises questions about the boundaries between journalism and activism, as well as the rights of the press to cover protests versus the rights of worshippers to freely exercise their religion without disruption. It also highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and community activism.

The details

Doucette filed the lawsuit on Monday, claiming the protest unlawfully interfered with her ability to freely exercise her religion. Lemon was arrested on January 30 and charged with conspiracy against the right of religious freedom at a place of worship and interfering with the exercise of the right of religious freedom. He pleaded not guilty, insisting he was exercising his First Amendment rights as a journalist. The lawsuit also names several activists as defendants.

  • The protest took place on January 18 during a church service led by pastor David Easterwood, an alleged ICE field officer.
  • Lemon was arrested on January 30 and charged with the two counts related to the protest.
  • Doucette filed the lawsuit on Monday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Don Lemon

The former CNN anchor who was arrested and charged for his involvement in the Minneapolis church protest.

Ann Doucette

The churchgoer who is suing Lemon and the protesters for 'severe emotional distress, fear, anxiety and trauma' following the disruption of the church service.

David Easterwood

The pastor of the Minneapolis church where the protest took place, who is allegedly an ICE field officer.

Nekima Armstrong, Chauntyll Allen, William Kelly, Jamael Lundy, Trahern Crews, Georgia Fort, Jerome Richardson

Activists who are also named as defendants in Doucette's lawsuit.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Don Lemon out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the rights of the press to cover protests and the rights of worshippers to freely exercise their religion without disruption. It raises questions about the boundaries between journalism and activism, and the responsibility of the media to remain objective and independent.