In a surprising turn of events, a federal magistrate judge in Minnesota has decided against pressing charges against independent journalist Don Lemon in relation to a protest held at a church in St. Paul. According to multiple sources familiar with the legal proceedings, this decision has raised eyebrows, especially within the Justice Department, where sources report that Attorney General Pam Bondi is quite upset over the ruling.
During her visit to Minnesota, Bondi has been actively seeking to mobilize greater prosecutorial resources to address the situation. Nevertheless, it’s essential to note that this judicial setback doesn't necessarily signal the end of the proceedings against Lemon; there may still be alternative legal paths available for the Justice Department.
On the morning of Thursday, just days after the protest, Bondi announced two arrests connected to the incident. Those arrested include Chauntyll Louisa Allen, who holds a position on the St. Paul School Board, and Nekima Levy Armstrong, who has been accused of playing a significant role in organizing the protest, as indicated by Bondi. A different magistrate judge has since approved the charges against both Allen and Armstrong, underscoring the ongoing legal ramifications of the protest.
In a more serious development, Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, stated that Armstrong faces charges under federal law, specifically 18 USC 241. This statute addresses civil rights violations, particularly those involving conspiracies that interfere with constitutionally protected rights, such as the freedom to practice religion.
The protest itself was ignited when demonstrators discovered that an official from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was among the pastors at St. Paul’s Cities Church. Tensions have escalated in the Twin Cities area in recent weeks, with daily protests erupting following the deployment of additional ICE and Border Patrol agents during the Trump administration. Protesters have voiced their anger over various issues, including the tragic death of U.S. citizen Renee Good, who was shot by an ICE officer earlier this month.
Don Lemon, previously a well-known anchor at CNN, participated in the protest, which disrupted the church's Sunday services, causing congregants to leave in distress. In an interview with the church’s pastor, Lemon emphasized the importance of constitutional rights, stating, "There’s a Constitution and a First Amendment, and freedom of speech and freedom to assemble and protest."
Adding to the intrigue, Harmeet Dhillon, who serves as the assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division, hinted that Lemon might still face legal consequences for his involvement in the protest's disruption. During a segment on the 'Benny Show,' which is hosted by conservative podcaster Benny Johnson, Dhillon remarked that being a journalist does not exempt one from facing criminal charges.
Despite attempts to reach her for further comments, Dhillon did not respond to CBS News. This situation resonates with previous challenges faced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., where a surge in federal law enforcement under President Trump met with pushback from judges regarding the legitimacy of cases brought forth.
Last year, prosecutors were instructed to treat every case as a federal offense where possible, leading to many cases being dismissed due to perceived weaknesses or constitutional issues. In a revealing opinion dated October 8, 2025, Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui noted a staggering 21% dismissal rate for cases charged via criminal complaint since the law enforcement ramp-up took place, a stark contrast to the mere 0.5% dismissal rate seen over the past decade.
Scott MacFarlane contributed to this report, shedding light on these unfolding events that continue to stir public interest and debate.
What do you think about the decision made by the magistrate judge? Do you believe Lemon should face charges for his actions during the protest? Join the conversation and share your thoughts!
