Former CNN host Don Lemon has pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from his coverage of a protest at a church in Minnesota over federal immigration raids. The 59-year-old journalist was charged with conspiracy to deprive rights and interfering with religious freedoms, accused of obstructing First Amendment rights by force.
Lemon was arrested on January 18 after entering the Cities Church in St Paul alongside protesters who were accusing one of its pastors of being an immigration enforcement official. He live-streamed the protest, an incident that resulted in charges for eight other co-defendants.
At his court appearance, Lemon did not speak but was supported by a crowd of protesters chanting outside the courthouse. Four of his co-defendants also pleaded not guilty during the hearing. Lemon has defended his actions, arguing that he was fulfilling his journalistic duty while covering the protest.
His lawyer raised concerns during the hearing regarding the seizure of Lemon's mobile phone by investigators during his arrest, further complicating the case. Lemon and his fellow defendants face charges for allegedly interfering with the exercise of religious freedoms during the service, where protesters interrupted attendees shouting phrases like ICE out in memory of individuals lost to immigration enforcement actions.
The event escalated tensions over immigration policies, particularly in light of two recent deaths linked to these enforcement actions, raising significant public interest and bringing federal attention.
In the wake of these developments, public sentiment remains divided, with Lemon citing his commitment to journalism even amidst fierce criticism from some political figures.
