Former CNN anchor Don Lemon and three others arrested in connection with a protest at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota, were released without bond on Friday after initial court proceedings. The arrests stem from a January 18th demonstration in which protesters interrupted a service at Cities Church, opposing federal immigration enforcement actions in the area.
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Lemon and independent journalist Georgia Fort were among those taken into custody, drawing scrutiny from press freedom groups who emphasized the constitutional protections afforded to journalists. Lemon, who was in Los Angeles covering the Grammy Awards at the time, was arrested late Thursday evening in a hotel lobby.
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The federal indictment names a total of nine individuals, including seven protesters, Lemon, and Fort. They face allegations of conspiring to interfere with congregants’ rights and impede religious freedom during the demonstration. Lemon is specifically charged under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which prohibits using force or threats to disrupt religious observances at a place of worship.
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According to the indictment, preparations for the protest, nicknamed “Operation Pullup,” allegedly included Lemon and Fort surrounding the pastor and questioning him during the service in a manner the government contends interfered with the congregation’s right to worship.
Lemon is scheduled to appear in federal court in Minneapolis on February 9th for his arraignment.
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