While at the height of his career, Don Lemon was a successful and well-regarded journalist.

And he was counting on his reputation as a journalist to cover him legally when he went along on the protest invasion of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

But now Don Lemon is scrambling after being blindsided by Pam Bondi with just one word.

Federal prosecutors allege the “protest” group violated the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, a statute that also protects the right of individuals to worship without intimidation or interference.

The incident occurred on January 18 at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota, where demonstrators opposed to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) interrupted a Sunday service. 

Protesters accused the church’s pastor of cooperating with federal immigration authorities under the Trump administration. 

What began as a demonstration escalated into chaos inside the building, according to federal authorities.

Attorney General Pam Bondi described the event as a coordinated and aggressive operation rather than a spontaneous protest. 

She said participants met in advance at a location several miles from the church and traveled together to the site. 

Once inside, the group allegedly blocked exits, frightened congregants, and disrupted families attempting to retrieve children from Sunday school.

The attorney general detailed injuries and distress suffered by parishioners during the disruption.  She said multiple individuals slipped on ice while attempting to flee, and one woman sustained a serious arm injury requiring hospitalization. 

Parents were reportedly prevented from reaching their children, and several attendees feared gun violence due to the sudden intrusion.

Bondi also sharply criticized former CNN anchor Don Lemon during a Monday appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity,” rejecting Lemon’s claim that his involvement in a disruptive anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church amounted to legitimate journalism. 

With just one word, Bondi tossed aside Lemon’s entire defense of his actions: participant.

Bondi argued that invoking the press does not provide legal cover for actions that interfere with public safety or religious freedom.

Bondi dismissed Lemon’s defense outright, warning that accepting such an argument would effectively allow anyone holding a camera to engage in unlawful behavior. 

She said the law does not permit individuals to storm or disrupt a church service under the guise of reporting. 

According to Bondi, participation in a riot or obstruction of worship remains illegal regardless of profession, and those responsible will face consequences.

Her comments followed the arrest of two additional individuals connected to the January protest, bringing the total number of people charged in the case to nine. 

Bondi also alleged that Lemon played an active role in the incident, including physically preventing at least one person from leaving the church. 

This destroys any attempt by Lemon to paint himself as just a journalist covering the event by including him as a participant in the illegal activity.

Bondi characterized the protest as a deliberate attempt to intimidate worshippers rather than observe or document events. 

In her view, such actions cross a legal line that journalism does not excuse.

Lemon has strongly disputed the charges, maintaining that he was present solely to document the protest. 

He has publicly denounced the indictment and insisted that his conduct was protected by press freedoms. 

In a social media post responding to the case, Lemon used profane language to assert that no one had the authority to prevent him from reporting.

Despite Lemon’s objections, federal officials maintain that all nine defendants were involved in obstructing the congregation’s right to worship. 

Each individual named in the indictment has now been taken into custody.

Bondi emphasized that the Justice Department intends to aggressively defend religious liberty nationwide. 

She said houses of worship—regardless of faith tradition—must remain places where people can gather without fear or intimidation. 

According to Bondi, the government will continue to pursue charges against anyone who attempts to disrupt that fundamental right.

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