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Don Lemon Says He Was ‘Just Reporting’ — DOJ Says Otherwise

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Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested by federal agents late on January 29, 2026, extending into the early hours of January 30, while covering the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. The high-profile detention, executed by FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents, marks a dramatic escalation in a case tied to a disruptive protest at a Minnesota church. Lemon spent the night in custody and is slated for an initial court appearance in federal court today.

Lemon had previously responded to AAG Harmeet Dhillon’s statement regarding the church invasion, posted to his TikTok account. That video was later shared during an interview hosted by Benny Johnson, speaking with AAG Dhillon. Lemon had previously denied any connection to the protestors, yet in a separate video recorded before the church invasion, He did a teaser with the group. (See videos below).

Video of Lemon with the group prior to entering the church building.
Videos:

From Magistrate Rejection to Grand Jury Indictment

The arrest follows a federal grand jury indictment issued on January 29, just a day after the panel was convened. This came after an initial Justice Department push to charge Lemon and others was rebuffed by a federal magistrate judge on January 22 due to insufficient probable cause. Prosecutors appealed to a federal appeals court, which declined to step in on January 24, though one judge noted a belief that probable cause existed. Ultimately, the grand jury route, as suggested by the magistrate, led to indictments against Lemon and several others.

Charges Filed and Lemon’s First Amendment Defense

Lemon faces serious charges, including conspiracy to deprive others of their civil rights and violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, here applied to allege interference with the free exercise of religion by force under the First Amendment. Lemon insists he was there solely as a journalist documenting the event and did not participate in the disruption. His attorney, Abbe Lowell, blasted the arrest as an “unprecedented attack on the First Amendment” and a diversion tactic, promising a robust defense.

Political and Public Reaction to the Arrest

Press freedom advocates and some Democratic figures, like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have decried it as an infringement on journalism. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrests, linking them to a “coordinated attack” on the church, while White House aide James Blair confirmed the indictments via an X post. The controversy dates back to heightened tensions over U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minnesota earlier this month.

The ICE Shooting That Sparked Statewide Protests

On January 7, 2026, ICE agents fatally shot Renee Nicole Good during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. This incident sparked widespread anti-ICE protests, culminating in a vigil that drew up to 10,000 participants. Demonstrators zeroed in on Cities Church in St. Paul, where Pastor Jonathan Parnell also serves as an ICE official.

Sunday Service Disrupted Inside the Church Sanctuary

On January 18, during Sunday services, about 30–40 anti-ICE activists stormed the sanctuary, chanting “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good.” Some approached the pulpit, while others confronted parishioners, abruptly ending the service. The Justice Department claims this was a premeditated conspiracy, pointing to a filmed pre-protest meeting involving key figures. Church officials labeled the actions “shameful and unlawful,” noting intimidation and threats that led to one parishioner falling and getting injured while escaping.

Journalists Present During the Protest

Faith leaders from the Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist Convention denounced the intrusion but urged compassion for migrants. Lemon entered the church to cover the protest for his YouTube program, The Don Lemon Show, and later spoke with Pastor Parnell. Fellow journalist Georgia Fort, who livestreamed portions of the event, was also arrested in addition to Lemon. Federal affidavits and witness accounts paint a harrowing picture of the protest’s impact on families, particularly children.

Parents Blocked From Reaching Children During Chaos

Protesters allegedly blocked access to stairwells leading to the downstairs Sunday school and childcare areas, hindering parents from reaching their kids amid the turmoil. Parents described hearing children crying below while being unable to pass the demonstrators. One affidavit from an unidentified parishioner stated:

“Members of their parish attempted to retrieve their children from the childcare area located downstairs, but the agitators were blocking the stairs, and the parents were unable to get to their children.”

Children Targeted With Verbal Abuse and Threats

Further reports indicate protesters shouted directly at children, labeling their parents “Nazis” and warning they would “burn in Hell.”

Eyewitnesses called the atmosphere “terrifying” for families, with insults and accusations hurled at youth. These details stem from a January 20 HSI affidavit by Special Agent Timothy Gerber, which contains interviews with church members.

Earlier Arrests and Expansion of the Federal Case

Prior to the grand jury indictments, the DOJ filed charges against eight individuals on January 22, but Magistrate Judge Douglas Micko approved warrants for only three, citing insufficient probable cause for the others, including Lemon. As previously reported, civil rights activist Nekima Levy Armstrong, activist Chauntyll Louisa Allen, and William Kelly, were arrested January 22–23 and have since been released pending trial. The indictments have since broadened the net to seven, including Lemon, Fort, Lundy, and another. Fort livestreamed her surrender to agents at her home early on January 30.

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