Justice Department Targets Don Lemon for Role in Church Riot

Breaking

The Justice Department is intensifying its investigation into a riot that broke out inside Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, with Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon singling out former CNN anchor Don Lemon for his conduct during the chaotic scene. Dhillon told conservative influencer Benny Johnson that the government “will pursue charges” related to the protest, which disrupted worship and sparked widespread outrage. Lemon was present inside the church during the anti-ICE demonstration, reporting live and engaging directly with activists. “Don Lemon himself has come out and said he knew exactly what was going to happen inside that facility,” Dhillon said on “The Benny Show.” “He went into the facility, and then he began — quote, unquote — ‘committing journalism,’ as if that’s sort of a shield from being a part, an embedded part, of a criminal conspiracy. It isn’t.”

Details & Background

The confrontation unfolded as activists protesting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement occupied the sanctuary at Cities Church, creating a tense standoff with local law enforcement. Don Lemon, known for his outspoken commentary during his tenure at CNN, was on the scene and broadcasted segments from inside the church. Assistant Attorney General Dhillon did not confirm whether Lemon himself would face charges but made clear that the Justice Department would not allow journalistic credentials to shield anyone from prosecution if they were involved in criminal activity. “Journalism is not a ‘shield’ from a ‘criminal conspiracy,’” Dhillon said, emphasizing the seriousness of the government’s approach. NBC News has requested further comment from both the Justice Department and Cities Church, but neither has provided an official statement.

Reactions

Don Lemon, when asked for comment, defended his actions as routine reporting and expressed concern over being targeted. “It’s notable that I’ve been cast as the face of a protest I was covering as a journalist — especially since I wasn’t the only reporter there,” Lemon wrote in an email response. “That framing is telling. What’s even more telling is the barrage of violent threats, along with homophobic and racist slurs, directed at me online by MAGA supporters and amplified by parts of the right-wing press.” The situation has ignited a wave of commentary online, with many conservative voices demanding accountability. Benny Johnson called the event “a direct challenge to law and order inside a house of worship.” Legal experts remain divided, with some warning of a chilling effect on journalism, while others support the DOJ’s strong stance.

Why This Matters to You

This case strikes at the heart of America’s debates over free speech, the press, and accountability. When a journalist is accused of participating in or enabling illegal activity, the response from authorities sets the tone for how far the media can go during times of civil unrest. The Justice Department’s decision—whether to prosecute or not—will have lasting implications for reporters, activists, and church communities nationwide. Government action is expected, and every American concerned about the rule of law, public safety, and the sanctity of worship spaces should pay close attention as the investigation unfolds.