Don Lemon Sued Over Minneapolis Church Protest

Churchgoer claims protest caused 'severe emotional distress, fear, anxiety and trauma'

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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CNN anchor Don Lemon has been sued, along with a group of protestors, for 'severe emotional distress' following a January protest inside a Minneapolis church. Churchgoer Ann Doucette filed the lawsuit on Monday, claiming the 'ICE Out' demonstration caused her significant emotional trauma.

Why it matters

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing tensions between activists and local communities over high-profile protests, especially those that disrupt places of worship. It raises questions about the balance between free speech rights and the right to feel safe and secure in one's own community.

The details

According to the lawsuit, the protest group entered the Minneapolis church in January and disrupted the service, chanting slogans and refusing to leave when asked. Doucette, a regular churchgoer, claims she suffered severe emotional distress, fear, anxiety and trauma as a result of the incident.

  • The protest took place inside the Minneapolis church in January 2026.
  • The lawsuit was filed by Ann Doucette on Monday, February 24, 2026.

The players

Don Lemon

A CNN anchor who was named as a defendant in the lawsuit, along with the group of protestors.

Ann Doucette

A churchgoer who filed the lawsuit claiming 'severe emotional distress, fear, anxiety and trauma' from the protest.

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What they’re saying

“The protest caused me severe emotional distress, fear, anxiety and trauma. I should be able to feel safe and secure in my own place of worship.”

— Ann Doucette, Churchgoer

What’s next

The court will need to determine if the protestors' actions were protected free speech or if they crossed a line and infringed on the rights of churchgoers like Doucette.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between activists' right to protest and the need for communities to feel safe and secure, especially in places of worship. It will likely set an important precedent on the boundaries of free speech.