Livestreaming Intimidation: Don Lemon Arrested for Church Invasion
Minneapolis, MN — Former CNN host Don Lemon was arrested this week for his role in storming a Minnesota church and causing an affray alongside other anti-ICE rioters during a disruptive protest last weekend.
The incident occurred on January 18, 2026, at Cities Church in St. Paul, where Lemon and a group of activists entered the sanctuary uninvited during an active worship service.
Witnesses report the group:
- Chanted slogans inside the church
- Occupied aisles and front rows
- Blocked exits
- Intimidated pastors and congregants
- Disrupted the free exercise of religion
Authorities classified the coordinated intrusion as affray — a violent public disturbance involving intimidation, obstruction, and breach of the peace, depriving worshippers of their right to worship without harassment.
Lemon, who was livestreaming the event, was not a neutral observer. Prosecutors allege he actively participated in the disruption rather than documenting it.
Federal Charges Filed
Federal prosecutors charged Lemon and eight co-defendants with:
- Conspiracy Against Rights under 18 U.S.C. § 241
- Interference with Religious Exercise
The group allegedly targeted the church because one of its pastors serves as acting field director for the local ICE office.
This was not random protest — it was a deliberate incursion aimed at intimidation.
Context: Anti-ICE Protests After Deadly Felony Resistance Incidents
The protest stemmed directly from recent ICE enforcement actions where two individuals — Renee Good and Alex Pretti — were killed after committing multiple felonies while resisting federal officers.
Renee Good — Vehicle Assault on Federal Agents
During Operation Metro Surge on January 7, 2026, Good allegedly:
-
- Drove her SUV directly at ICE agents after being ordered to stop
- Attempted to ram Officer Jonathan Ross
- Committed felony assault on a federal officer under 18 U.S.C. § 111
- Escalated the encounter through reckless endangerment and interference
Deadly force was used after the situation became an imminent threat to officers’ lives.
Alex Pretti — Armed Interference in Active Arrest
On January 24, 2026, Pretti allegedly:
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- Inserted himself into an active federal arrest
- Physically resisted officers
- Assaulted agents after being pepper-sprayed
- Brandished a handgun threateningly
- Committed felony firearm brandishing and violent resistance
Defensive shots were fired when he remained an active threat.
Arrest and Court Date
Lemon was taken into custody in Los Angeles while covering the Grammy Awards, then released without bond.
His next court appearance is scheduled for:
- February 9, 2026
- Minneapolis Federal Court
Administration Response
The Trump administration and Attorney General Pam Bondi have vowed to hold accountable those who:
- Attack places of worship
- Obstruct lawful federal immigration enforcement
- Incite mob intimidation under the guise of activism
Because storming a church isn’t “protest.”
It’s lawlessness with a camera phone.
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