In St. Paul, Minnesota, a federal magistrate judge has rejected the Department of Justice's (DOJ) effort to initiate criminal charges against Don Lemon, a well-known media figure, for his actions during a recent protest at Cities Church. The incident in question occurred on a Sunday when demonstrators opposing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies disrupted a church service with chants and confrontational tactics. Fox News reporter Bill Melugin reported that Magistrate Douglas L. Micko, whose spouse is an assistant attorney general in the office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, made the decision not to authorize an arrest warrant.
The magistrate cited "deficiencies" in the DOJ's complaint against Lemon, a stance that has surprised senior DOJ officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi. Lemon, who live-streamed parts of the protest, has maintained that his involvement was strictly journalistic, aimed at covering the events as they unfolded. His actions, and those of the protesters, have ignited a broader conversation about the limits of protest and the intersection of journalism and activism.
The protest reportedly caused distress among the congregation, prompting church leaders to condemn the interference with worship. While Lemon's complaint was dismissed, federal authorities proceeded with legal action against other participants. Civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong and St. Paul School Board member Chauntyll Louisa Allen were arrested on charges related to conspiracy and violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.
Legal experts have noted the rarity of magistrates rejecting complaints at this stage, emphasizing the complexity of cases involving press freedoms. Lemon's status remains under review as prosecutors consider whether additional evidence may lead to further charges.
Social media reactions to the magistrate's decision have been mixed, with some commentators expressing outrage over the perceived lack of accountability for Lemon's actions. Others have focused on the potential conflict of interest given the relationship between Magistrate Micko and the Minnesota Attorney General's office.
The incident at Cities Church has sparked a wider discussion about the boundaries of protest, the role of journalists in documenting such events, and the protection of religious services from disruption. The outcome of the DOJ's actions against Lemon and the ensuing legal developments will likely have implications for the understanding of First Amendment rights in similar contexts.
