Federal Authorities Arrest Journalists Don Lemon, Georgia Fort Following Church Protest Indictment
Federal authorities have arrested multiple individuals, including independent journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort, following a protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, on January 18. The arrests occurred after a grand jury indictment, with charges including conspiracy against religious freedom and interfering with the exercise of religious rights at a place of worship. The protest targeted Pastor David Easterwood, who also serves as an acting director for a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office. These developments have been met with judicial scrutiny and widespread discussion regarding press freedom and the scope of protest rights.
Background to the Protest
"Operation Metro Surge" and Fatal Shootings
The protest occurred amidst a federal immigration operation in Minneapolis, dubbed "Operation Metro Surge," which reportedly involved the deployment of 3,000 federal immigration agents to the Twin Cities and the arrest of over 3,000 undocumented immigrants.
During this operation, Renee Good, 37, and Alex Pretti, 37, were fatally shot by federal immigration authorities in separate confrontations. Protesters and some Minnesota officials criticized ICE's actions. The administration, however, supported the officers involved, asserting self-defense and describing Good's death as "a tragedy of her own making."
Pastor David Easterwood's Dual Role
Pastor David Easterwood, listed on the Cities Church website, appeared on C-SPAN in October as the acting director for the St. Paul ICE field office. Protesters alleged that Easterwood oversaw operations they claimed involved violent tactics and illegal arrests.
In a January 5 court filing, Easterwood defended ICE's tactics, stating agents faced increased threats and aggression and that crowd control devices were necessary for protection.
The Protest Incident
Disruption at Cities Church
On Sunday, January 18, approximately 30 to 40 individuals entered Cities Church in St. Paul during a religious service. The protest was organized by groups including the Racial Justice Network, Black Lives Matter Minnesota, and Black Lives Matter Twin Cities. Protesters chanted slogans such as "ICE out!" and "Justice for Renee Good!"
According to an affidavit, the protesters disrupted the service and intimidated parishioners, causing the service to end prematurely. A congregant reported that worshippers were "terrorized" and children were "weeping," with one female victim sustaining an injury. Allegations included individuals being blocked from exiting and prevented from reaching their children. Lead Pastor Jonathan Parnell reportedly addressed the protesters, stating, "Shame on you! This is a house of God!"
Journalists' Presence
Independent journalists Don Lemon, Georgia Fort, Trahern Jeen Crews, and Jamael Lydell Lundy were present at the church. Lemon and Fort stated they were covering the event as journalists and not participating in the protest. Lemon livestreamed the event, stating he was there "just reporting on them."
Initial Legal Proceedings and Judicial Rulings
DOJ Investigation and Early Judicial Scrutiny
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced an investigation into potential violations of the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act by the protesters, which covers houses of worship. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon stated the DOJ would pursue charges and asserted that journalism does not provide a "shield" from involvement in a "criminal conspiracy."
Initially, three activists – Nekima Levy Armstrong, Chauntyll Louisa Allen, and William Kelly – were arrested. Federal judges subsequently ordered their release, with U.S. District Judge Laura M. Provinzino stating that Justice Department lawyers did not provide sufficient evidence to justify detention or classify the incident as a "crime of violence." Magistrate Judge Douglas Micko rejected FACE Act charges against Armstrong and Allen for lack of probable cause, though he approved a single count of conspiracy against constitutional rights.
Appeals and Rejections of Initial Charges
Separately, Magistrate Judge Micko also declined to approve a criminal complaint against Don Lemon and four other individuals, citing a lack of probable cause. The Justice Department appealed this decision, arguing national security concerns and risk of "copycats."
Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz of the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota described the appeal as "unheard of," and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit rejected the DOJ's request, noting the government "failed to establish that it has no other adequate means of obtaining the requested relief." One appellate judge, L. Steven Grasz, issued a concurring opinion stating he felt there was probable cause for the arrests.
Prosecutors from the DOJ's Civil Rights Division in Washington, rather than the local U.S. Attorney's Office, handled the initial proceedings for the first three defendants. Some career prosecutors reportedly expressed concerns regarding the strength of evidence.
Grand Jury Indictment and Subsequent Arrests
Indictment Details and Charges
Despite earlier judicial rejections, a federal grand jury was empaneled. On Thursday, January 29, the grand jury issued an indictment naming nine individuals: Don Lemon, Georgia Fort, Trahern Jeen Crews, Jamael Lydell Lundy, Nekima Levy Armstrong, Chauntyll Louisa Allen, William Kelly, Ian Davis Austin, and Jerome Deangelo Richardson.
The indictment charges all defendants with one count of conspiracy against the rights of religious freedom at a place of worship and one count of injuring, intimidating, and interfering with the exercise of religious freedom at a place of worship. Lemon also faces an additional charge of violating the FACE Act.
High-Profile Arrests
On Friday, January 30, Don Lemon was arrested by federal agents in Los Angeles, where he was covering the Grammy Awards. Georgia Fort was arrested at her home on Friday morning, and Ian Davis Austin and Jerome Deangelo Richardson were arrested on Monday, February 2.
Lemon and other arrested defendants were released on their own recognizance without bond. Release conditions included staying off church property and avoiding contact with witnesses or victims. Lemon's next hearing is scheduled for February 9 in Minneapolis.
Reactions and Broader Context
Condemnation and Defense of Press Freedom
Don Lemon's attorney, Abbe Lowell, described his client's arrest as an "unprecedented attack on the First Amendment" and a "transparent attempt to distract attention" from other issues.
Lemon stated he would "fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court" and affirmed his commitment to his journalistic work, stating he "will not be silenced." Georgia Fort stated the arrests sent "a chilling message" to the media industry. The Committee to Protect Journalists and CNN condemned the arrests, raising concerns about press freedom.
Government and Political Responses
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the arrests on social media, stating they were made "at my direction" in connection with a "coordinated attack" and vowing to prosecute those interfering with "the right to worship freely and safely." Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated there was no basis for a civil rights probe into Renee Good's killing. The White House posted an altered image of Levy Armstrong on social media, which a senior official confirmed was a "meme," stating, "Enforcement of the law will continue. The memes will continue."
Former President Donald Trump referred to Lemon as a "sleazebag" and criticized the protest as a "church raid" by "agitators and insurrectionists," calling for troublemakers to be jailed or deported. Vice President JD Vance criticized what he called the "far left" for opposing border enforcement.
Broader Investigations
The Justice Department has also launched an investigation into whether Minnesota state and local officials impeded federal immigration enforcement, issuing subpoenas to various state and local offices.
Ongoing Legal Status
Don Lemon has hired Joseph H. Thompson, a former Minnesota federal prosecutor, to represent him alongside Abbe Lowell. Attorneys for Cities Church have indicated they are considering civil lawsuits against those involved in the church disruption. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon has affirmed the department's commitment to continue pursuing these cases.