Don Lemon is off the hook after a federal magistrate judge in Minnesota declined to approve criminal charges sought by the Justice Department following a protest inside a St. Paul church.
The former CNN host, 59, had been under fire for his role in a Sunday demonstration that interrupted worship services at Cities Church. Lemon joined dozens of anti-ICE protesters who entered the sanctuary during services, briefly halting worship as they confronted church leadership over immigration enforcement.
Federal prosecutors attempted to pursue a conspiracy-related charge tied to the incident. However, the magistrate judge refused to sign off on the request, blocking the case at that stage. Officials familiar with the matter said the decision effectively removes Lemon from immediate legal jeopardy, though it does not prevent prosecutors from revisiting the issue later.
A source briefed on the situation said Attorney General Pam Bondi reacted angrily to the ruling and planned to travel to Minnesota to evaluate possible next steps. The Justice Department has not publicly said whether it will seek a different charge or appeal the judge’s decision.
Bondi announced earlier that two local activists connected to the protest were arrested. Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen now face federal charges of conspiracy against rights. Prosecutors allege the pair worked to intimidate individuals in the free exercise of constitutionally protected religious freedom.
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon said the department examined the incident under the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871, which allows conspiracy charges when civic or religious rights are targeted. Lemon has maintained he was acting as a journalist while participating in the protest.
Video posted online shows him inside the church questioning clergy during the disruption. The church, which identifies with the Baptist tradition, was reportedly scrutinized because one of its pastors also serves as an acting field director for ICE in Minnesota.
The incident comes as immigration enforcement actions ordered by Donald Trump continue to fuel protests and political tension across the Twin Cities.
