Don Lemon Pleads Not Guilty in Minnesota Church Protest Case

Former CNN anchor vows to fight federal civil rights charges tied to St. Paul immigration protest

Veteran broadcast journalist Don Lemon has pleaded not guilty in federal court to charges stemming from a controversial protest at a Minnesota church.

The case centers on a January demonstration at Cities Church in St. Paul, where immigration activists disrupted a service while criticizing federal enforcement actions.

Lemon, who was covering the event as an independent journalist, is accused of conspiring to infringe on civil rights and interfering with religious liberties during the protest. Prosecutors allege that he and several others helped orchestrate a disruptive action that intimidated congregants and hindered their ability to worship.

Appearing in court alongside multiple co-defendants, Lemon firmly rejected the allegations through his not guilty plea. His legal team argues that he was performing his role as a journalist, documenting a newsworthy protest and exercising press freedom protected under the First Amendment.

Outside the courthouse, supporters framed the case as a major test of constitutional rights and press independence. Lemon has vowed to contest the charges vigorously, insisting that criminalizing coverage of protests could set a dangerous precedent for journalists across the country.