This is unacceptable.
Former CNN host Don Lemon is facing growing scrutiny after the Justice Department confirmed it is reviewing his actions during a disruptive protest inside a Minnesota church.
Lemon, who has worked independently since leaving CNN in 2023, was present when anti-ICE activists interrupted a Sunday worship service at Cities Church in St. Paul. The incident followed heightened tensions after a fatal ICE-related shooting that sparked protests across the region.
According to video footage shared online, Lemon entered the church alongside demonstrators and recorded as the service was interrupted. He later described his actions as protected by the First Amendment, framing the event as lawful protest activity.
However, senior Justice Department officials quickly pushed back on that interpretation.
Harmeet Dhillon, the assistant attorney general overseeing civil rights enforcement, issued a public warning stating that places of worship are protected under federal law and are not open venues for political demonstrations.
“A house of worship is not a public forum for protests,” Dhillon wrote, adding that federal civil and criminal statutes exist specifically to prevent disruptions of religious services. She concluded by saying Lemon had been formally “put on notice.”
Dhillon also confirmed she has been coordinating with Attorney General Pamela Bondi and said the department is examining whether any federal laws were violated during the incident.
“We are reviewing the facts and investigating potential violations,” Dhillon stated.
In a later interview on The Benny Johnson Show, Dhillon emphasized that while Lemon is presumed innocent, claiming the role of journalist does not automatically provide legal protection if someone knowingly participates in unlawful activity.
“Simply labeling an action as journalism does not create immunity,” she said. “That is not how the law works.”
Dhillon also issued a broader warning to activist groups nationwide, stating that federal authorities will act to protect religious freedom and prevent similar disruptions in the future.
Lemon, meanwhile, told Fox News Digital that he believes his role is being mischaracterized. He said he was reporting on unfolding events and noted that multiple journalists were present. Lemon also claimed he has received online threats following the controversy.
He further responded in a social media video, saying he had no prior knowledge that the protesters planned to enter the church and denied any organizational ties to the activist group. Lemon argued that once the protest moved indoors, he documented what occurred as part of his reporting.
During the service disruption, Lemon questioned a church leader about the interruption. The pastor condemned the protest, calling it inappropriate and disrespectful.
“This is a time for worship,” the pastor said. “We are here to worship Jesus Christ.”
After the exchange, the pastor asked Lemon to leave the building.
Cities Church has not issued a public statement regarding the incident.
The situation has drawn attention to the federal FACE Act, which makes it a serious offense to interfere with individuals lawfully exercising their right to religious worship. Violations can carry substantial fines and potential prison sentences.
As the Justice Department review continues, the case is emerging as a national flashpoint—raising difficult questions about the limits of protest activity, the role of journalists, and the legal protections surrounding America’s houses of worship.
