Former CNN host Don Lemon was arrested and charged with federal civil rights violations, including conspiracy to deprive rights and violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. The charges stem from his involvement in an anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protest at St. Paul's Cities Church in Minnesota on January 18, where he livestreamed activists disrupting a worship service. Federal authorities allege Lemon interfered with religious freedom by participating in the protest, which targeted the church's pastor over alleged collaboration with ICE.
Lemon was released on a no-cash bond after his court appearance in Los Angeles. He has maintained his commitment to journalism, stating he will continue covering news despite the charges. Meanwhile, political figures have offered divergent perspectives on the arrest.
During an appearance on 'Real Time with Bill Maher,' former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene defended the charges, arguing Lemon violated the FACE Act by disrupting worship and comparing parishioners to white supremacists. She claimed his actions were activism, not journalism, and cited similar prosecutions under the Biden administration for pro-life activists. Greene also recounted an incident where Lemon visited her office with an organizer of the protest, prompting her to call Capitol Police.
Bill Maher expressed disapproval of Lemon's arrest, calling it concerning and comparing it to authoritarian tactics. Joe Scarborough, another panelist, argued that Lemon's aggressive reporting style should be distinguished from outright harassment. Scarborough initially misstated the FACE Act as the 'Faith Act,' which Greene corrected on-air.
The charges against Lemon have sparked debate over the boundaries of journalism and activism, as well as the application of the FACE Act in protest-related cases. Legal experts and advocates continue to weigh in on the implications of the prosecution.