Don Lemon faces civil lawsuit following Minnesota church protest
A Minnesota parishioner has officially filed a civil lawsuit against commentator Don Lemon regarding a controversial protest. According to the allegations, Lemon joined a group that stormed Cities Church in St. Paul during a Sunday service on January 18 to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Plaintiff Ann Doucette claims the protesters' actions caused severe emotional distress, fear, and anxiety among the congregation. She emphasized that the incident directly obstructed the right to individual religious practice, particularly as the service was attended by many families and children.
Based on records released by TMZ, Lemon is accused of working closely with local organizations to prepare logistics for the activity. The lawsuit describes the 59-year-old commentator as livestreaming the entire event and showing satisfaction with the disruption occurring within the place of worship, similar to anti-ICE protests causing chaos in other public locations.
Criminal charges and Don Lemon's response
In late January, Don Lemon was arrested in Los Angeles and charged with two counts related to the violation of religious freedom. Prosecutors allege he engaged in conspiracy, intimidation, and obstruction of citizens' lawful religious practice at a place of worship, amid intense public focus on ICE raids in Minnesota.
However, Lemon has pleaded not guilty and asserted that his actions fall under the protection of freedom of the press under the First Amendment. Speaking outside the Minneapolis courthouse, he stated he would not back down from what he calls baseless charges and would continue to fight to protect his reputation.
"I will not back down, I will not be intimidated, I will fight these baseless charges, and I will not be silenced," Lemon said, emphasizing his role in "reporting" the event.
It is noted that the protest group's target was Pastor David Eastwood, who also serves as the field director for ICE in the St. Paul area. Actions targeting the agency often face mixed reactions from experts, such as Bill Maher's criticism of artists with extreme anti-ICE stances.
Currently, if convicted of the criminal charges, Don Lemon could face a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Regarding Ann Doucette's civil lawsuit, the specific amount for damages has not yet been publicly disclosed to the media by the plaintiff.
