Former CNN Anchor Don Lemon Sued by Minneapolis Churchgoer

Lawsuit alleges Lemon's involvement in church protest caused 'severe emotional distress'

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Former CNN anchor Don Lemon is facing a civil lawsuit from a Minneapolis churchgoer who claims a protest he participated in during a church service left her with 'severe emotional distress, fear, anxiety and trauma.' The lawsuit alleges Lemon did more than just observe the protest as a journalist, and that he 'appeared to take satisfaction in the disruption.' Lemon was previously arrested and charged with conspiracy against the right of religious freedom and interfering with the exercise of religious freedom for his role in the protest.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the right to free speech and the right to freely practice religion, as well as the challenges journalists can face when covering protests and civil disobedience. The lawsuit also raises questions about the boundaries of press freedom and whether journalists can be held liable for their involvement in disruptive events.

The details

The lawsuit was filed by churchgoer Ann Doucette, who alleges the Jan. 18 protest during a church service led by Pastor David Easterwood unlawfully interfered with her right to freely practice her religion. Doucette claims the disruption left her with 'severe emotional distress, fear, anxiety and trauma.' Lemon documented and livestreamed the so-called 'ICE Out' protest, which followed the fatal shooting of Renee Good and alleged that Easterwood had ties to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The lawsuit claims Lemon did more than just observe, citing social media posts from a protester who allegedly said they assisted Lemon with 'logistics and local contacts in support of the operation.'

  • The protest took place during a church service on January 18, 2026.
  • Lemon was arrested on January 30, 2026 and charged with conspiracy against the right of religious freedom and interfering with the exercise of religious freedom.

The players

Don Lemon

Former CNN anchor and host of The Don Lemon Show.

Ann Doucette

A Minneapolis churchgoer who is suing Lemon over the protest that occurred during a church service.

Pastor David Easterwood

The pastor of the Minneapolis church where the protest took place, who protesters alleged had ties to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Renee Good

An individual whose fatal shooting sparked local outrage and led to the 'ICE Out' protest.

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

Activists who are named as defendants in the lawsuit along with Lemon.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the right to free speech and the right to freely practice religion, as well as the challenges journalists can face when covering protests and civil disobedience. The lawsuit also raises questions about the boundaries of press freedom and whether journalists can be held liable for their involvement in disruptive events.