Don Lemon Pleads Not Guilty to Civil Rights Charges

Former CNN host vows to fight 'baseless' charges related to protest coverage

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:03am

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A quiet, cinematic painting of a solitary microphone stand in a dimly lit church sanctuary, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the somber mood of a press freedom battle.As tensions escalate between the government and the press, a lone microphone stand in a church sanctuary symbolizes the fight for press freedom and the ability to hold those in power accountable.Minneapolis Today

Don Lemon, a former CNN host and now independent journalist, has pleaded not guilty to federal civil rights charges related to his coverage of a protest at a Minnesota church where an ICE official is a pastor. Lemon, accompanied by his attorney, expressed his refusal to be intimidated and vowed to fight the 'baseless charges', emphasizing his commitment to the First Amendment's protection of the free press.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the media, with the government accused of 'criminalizing and threatening press freedom' in its response to scrutiny. The charges against Lemon and other journalists raise concerns about the potential chilling effect on reporting, especially on sensitive issues like immigration enforcement.

The details

Lemon was present at the Southern Baptist church in St. Paul to document a protest where demonstrators chanted 'Pam Bondi has got to go' and 'Protect the press'. He claimed he was not a participant in the protest. Lemon's attorney, Abbe David Lowell, informed the judge that he will raise First Amendment issues in the case. The phone taken from Lemon during his arrest in Los Angeles was a point of contention, with Lowell requesting its return and prosecutors stating it was under the custody of the Department of Homeland Security.

  • On January 18, the protest disrupted a service at the Cities church, with protesters chanting 'ICE out' and 'Justice for Renee Good'.
  • Lemon, 59, was arrested in Los Angeles in connection with the protest.

The players

Don Lemon

A former CNN host and now independent journalist who has pleaded not guilty to federal civil rights charges related to his coverage of a protest at a Minnesota church where an ICE official is a pastor.

Joe Thompson

Lemon's attorney, who accompanied him to court and expressed his client's refusal to be intimidated by the charges.

Abbe David Lowell

Lemon's attorney, who informed the judge that he will raise First Amendment issues in the case.

Nekima Levy Armstrong

A civil rights attorney and one of the defendants who also pleaded not guilty.

Georgia Fort

An independent journalist who is scheduled for arraignment next week in connection with the case.

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What they’re saying

“For more than 30 years, I have been a journalist – and the power and protection of the first amendment has been the underpinning of my work.”

— Don Lemon, Former CNN host and independent journalist

“A government that responds to scrutiny by targeting the messenger is not protecting the public; it is attempting to intimidate and distract.”

— National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)

“President Trump will not tolerate the intimidation and harassment of Christians in their sacred places of worship.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on the return of Lemon's seized phone, which is currently in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security. Lemon's attorney has raised First Amendment issues that will be addressed in the proceedings.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the media and the Trump administration, with concerns that the government is using the criminal justice system to intimidate and silence journalists who are critical of its policies. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for press freedom and the ability of reporters to cover sensitive issues without fear of retaliation.