Confirmed Source

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested by federal agents in Los Angeles on January 29, 2026, in connection with a protest at a Minnesota church. He faces charges of conspiring to violate constitutional rights under 18 U.S.C. § 241 and violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act under 18 U.S.C. § 248.

On January 18, 2026, Lemon participated in a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, targeting Pastor David Easterwood, who serves as an acting director for a local U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office. Along with activists Trahern Jeen Crews, Jamael Lydell Lundy, and journalist Georgia Fort, the group entered the church during a Sunday service, disrupting the proceedings through shouting and filming. This action interfered with the congregation’s ability to worship.

The FACE Act, enacted in 1994 under President Clinton, prohibits the use of force, threats of force, or physical obstruction to interfere with access to reproductive health services or the exercise of religious freedom at places of worship. Key elements include:

• Prohibited Actions: Intentional injury, intimidation, or interference via force, threats, or obstruction against individuals seeking or providing reproductive services or engaging in worship.
• Religious Protections: Under subsection (a)(2), it safeguards religious activities from disruption.
• Penalties: Fines and up to one year in prison for first offenses; up to 10 years if injury occurs; life imprisonment if death results. Civil remedies are also available.

Prosecutors allege Lemon’s involvement in the protest constituted physical obstruction and interference with the congregation’s religious rights under the FACE Act. By entering the church and live-streaming the event, he contributed to the disruption, making worship difficult. He is also charged with conspiracy under 18 U.S.C. § 241 for planning to deprive individuals of their constitutional rights.Lemon has been released on bond and maintains he was acting as a journalist. The case is ongoing.