MN - Journalist Don Lemon arrested for church protest, Minneapolis, 18 Jan 2026

[Summerliz03]

Is video required, or is the affidavit sworn by church victims sufficient?

According to legal documents, defendants - including Don Lemon - interfered with families who tried to gather their children, leave the church, and leave the area.

Who is indicted based on victim affidavits:

View attachment 641255

Don Lemon indictment

www.documentcloud.org

What did they state in the affidavit:

View attachment 641251

View attachment 641254
p.17-18

FBI affidavit in suport of arrest warrant | PDF | U.S. Immigration And Customs Enforcement | American Government

This affidavit, submitted by Special Agent Timothy Gerber, outlines the investigation into a group of agitators who disrupted a religious service at Cities Church in St. Paul, MN on January 18, 2026. The group, led by Nekima Valdez Levy-Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen, coordinated their...

www.scribd.com

More evidence can be found in the affidavit. The above is a small sample.

The main thing I’ve said over and over in this thread is that Don was working as a journalist. I am separating him from the protestors because he was not one and frankly, I think it’s a mistake for the DOJ to try to lump him in to this indictment with the protestors because they are completely removing his agency as a journalist from the situation. I believe that’s why 4 judges (1 solo magistrate judge and a panel of 3 judges) had rejected to issue an arrest warrant for him. I am not debating whether the protestors should be arrested. I would like to see evidence that Don acted as a co- conspirator to plan or set up the protest and I haven’t seen that at this point. If evidence comes out about this, I’m more than willing to change my stance about this case. All MOO.

 

[Cryptic]

BBM - what cause is that?
I saw him reporting and interviewing. Being a journalist.
Which is his job.

Not even Don Lemon has an automatic right to work on private property. Likewise, Don Lemon can be working and still obstruct a worship service.

 

[Sundog]

dbm

 

[Ontario Mom]

Something to consider, of the 2 names that have been redacted on the indictment.

Purely speculative but it's possible they're redacted because they chose to cooperate & give testimony to who was there, who knew what, and when, and how things all went down. If that's the case & part of the allegations against Lemon are coming from the protestors themselves, that seems pretty damning.

Another thought to consider is how finely detailed the "overt acts" are worded in the indictment. To me, they read as if someone watched a video (or videos) and wrote down exactly what they saw taking place. It wouldn't surprise me at all to learn multiple people inside the church were indeed recording from a wide variety of vantage points.

jmo

 

[Summerliz03]

Link please.

There are many different press organizations that issue press credentials to independent journalists. Here’s a list of some of them:

Press card - IFJ

www.ifj.org

Independent Press Credentials | American Image Press

IFPO (also known as American Image Press) offers Independent Press Credentials for freelance photographers and photogjournalists.

www.ifpo.net

Press Passes for Freelance Journalists and Photographers | NWU

The fact that you are a freelance writer or photographer need not keep you away from events covered by staff reporters and others affiliated with a recognized news organization or publisher. The National Writers Union offers press credentials to members who can document their qualifications as...

nwu.org

 

[otto]

The main thing I’ve said over and over in this thread is that Don was working as a journalist. I am separating him from the protestors because he was not one and frankly, I think it’s a mistake for the DOJ to try to lump him in to this indictment with the protestors because they are completely removing his agency as a journalist from the situation. I believe that’s why 4 judges (1 solo magistrate judge and a panel of 3 judges) had rejected to issue an arrest warrant for him. I am not debating whether the protestors should be arrested. I would like to see evidence that Don acted as a co- conspirator to plan or set up the protest and I haven’t seen that at this point. If evidence comes out about this, I’m more than willing to change my stance about this case. All MOO.

I understand that there is a preference for Don Lemon to be considered separate from the protesters, but, according to legal documents, he is charged as a participating protester. Legal documents related to Don Lemon are not separate at this time.

I assume that charges are based on eye-witness testimony, CCTV, video footage from eye-witnesses and victim statements (including children). That is, charges are not based exclusively on youtube videos shared by participants at the protest.

The debate is whether Don Lemon, an independent journalist, participated as a protester, independent journalist, or both. Current evidence is legal documents.

 

[Hexe]

Agree, I should have said "former credentialed journalist" as he is now an independent journalist.

He still has credentials of a journalist. You do not loose them magically after severing ties with a big tv station.

MOO

 

[LAborn]

He still has credentials of a journalist. You do not loose them magically after severing ties with a big tv station.

MOO

Jim Acosta had a similar journalistic path as Lemon, most of his career on legacy media and now is streaming via his own channel on Youtube and substack.

 

[Summerliz03]

Jim Acosta had a similar journalistic path as Lemon, most of his career on legacy media and now is streaming via his own channel on Youtube and substack.

Same with Megyn Kelly she’s now an independent journalist with her own broadcast on SiriusXM after being at Fox, NBC, etc. for her whole career. I wonder if she’s considered a “former” journalist? MOO.

 

[Cryptic]

Something to consider, of the 2 names that have been redacted on the indictment.

Purely speculative but it's possible they're redacted because they chose to cooperate & give testimony to who was there, who knew what, and when, and how things all went down. If that's the case & part of the allegations against Lemon are coming from the protestors themselves, that seems pretty damning.

My computer is limited. Are the redacted names those of witnesses? Or are the redacted names those of other people charged? Witnesses with redacted names might be minors etc.

But....names redacted from a section describing other defendants etc. could show that the protest crew is starting to fragment. As you stated fragmentation could include a willingness to provide information against Don Lemon. Then again, redacted names may mean totally different.

In general, fragmentation of groups facing criminal charges is pretty common- despite past pledges of undying loyalty etc. It looks like they have nine protesters in custody so far and had seven in custody at the time Lemon was indicated.

Seven might be a "magic number" statistically in this matter. Ala big enough to include those with mixed feelings, and varying degrees of dedication in addition to the true believers who are in it for the "long haul".

 

[otto]

Good article and helpful in breaking down the key legal components.

And from the article:

Trespass:
Entering or remaining on private property without permission. Journalistic purpose does not negate trespass laws.

Why This Matters

Cases involving journalism, protest, and religious liberty often involve overlapping constitutional interests. Understanding where First Amendment protections end and where property rights and federal statutes apply is essential to informed public discussion.

Courts are tasked with weighing facts and law, not public opinion. The outcome in this case will depend on evidence, statutory interpretation, and judicial review.

Thankfully someone has weighed in with the legal aspects of this debate.

The end result of the protest, which is widely supported, is that a man who works as a federal officer has been exposed and, as a result, we know where he attends church. He was not at church at the time of the protest.

The methods used to achieve this goal violated the rights of numerous unrelated individuals, including children.

Yesterday, someone requested proof that protesters confronted children with "do you know your parents are nazis, they're going to burn in hell."

p.18

FBI affidavit in suport of arrest warrant | PDF | U.S. Immigration And Customs Enforcement | American Government

This affidavit, submitted by Special Agent Timothy Gerber, outlines the investigation into a group of agitators who disrupted a religious service at Cities Church in St. Paul, MN on January 18, 2026. The group, led by Nekima Valdez Levy-Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen, coordinated their...

www.scribd.com

 

[Ontario Mom]

My computer is limited. Are the redacted names those of witnesses? Or are the redacted names those of other people charged? Witnesses with redacted names might be minors etc.

But....names redacted from a section describing other defendants etc. could show that the protest crew is starting to fragment. As you stated fragmentation could include a willingness to provide information against Don Lemon. Then again, redacted names may mean totally different.

In general, fragmentation of groups facing criminal charges is pretty common- despite past pledges of undying loyalty etc. It looks like they have nine protesters in custody so far and had seven in custody at the time Lemon was indicated.

Seven might be a "magic number" statistically in this matter. Ala big enough to include those with mixed feelings, and varying degrees of dedication in addition to the true believers who are in it for the "long haul".

Two of the redacted names in the charging documents are of defendants. There are numerous other redactions throughout the document but it's not certain in many cases who those people are.

It's my speculation that at least some of the people involved in this may have had a drastic change of heart. I'd hope seeing terrified kids and elderly folks would have been enough to stop them in their tracks. Maybe it did.

jmo

 

[Rolypolyoly]

Agree, I should have said "former credentialed journalist" as he is now an independent journalist.

A quick google search tells me that any reports that Lemon has been stripped of his credentials by the three major bodies are false. He is and has always been a credentialled journalist. Just because you disagree with his reporting doesnt mean his status as an independent make him uncredentialled. If you are going to keep describing him as such can you please provide a verified link to that information?.

 

[Leilei]

Thankfully someone has weighed in with the legal aspects of this debate.

The end result of the protest, which is widely supported, is that a man who works as a federal officer has been exposed and, as a result, we know where he attends church. He was not at church at the time of the protest.

The methods used to achieve this goal violated the rights of numerous unrelated individuals, including children.

Yesterday, someone requested proof that protesters confronted children with "do you know your parents are nazis, they're going to burn in hell."

View attachment 641268
p.18

FBI affidavit in suport of arrest warrant | PDF | U.S. Immigration And Customs Enforcement | American Government

This affidavit, submitted by Special Agent Timothy Gerber, outlines the investigation into a group of agitators who disrupted a religious service at Cities Church in St. Paul, MN on January 18, 2026. The group, led by Nekima Valdez Levy-Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen, coordinated their...

www.scribd.com

I don't see Don Lemon's name on the page you've posted (page 47).
Aren't we supposed to be discussing him only?
IMO.
Edited to be more clear.

 

[LAborn]

Just read the indictment finally. Big nothing burger. The protesters may have some issues, but doubt Lemon will get caught in that net. What they (protesters) could and should have done, is protest on the sidewalk in front of the church with signs to get the story out about the pastor and ICE connection. JMO Read the full indictment against Don Lemon, Georgia Fort and others charged in Minnesota

 

[moonglow123]

The language in the indictment is very disturbing. I feel as though indictments should be limited to facts, not politically charged language and accusations. IMO the DOJ will have trouble substantiating the accusations against Lemon. Language implying Lemon participated in an "attack" and insinuating it was a "violent crime" really feels overblown.

Legal proceedings aren't willy-nilly, you have to definitively and strongly prove the things you're accusing the defendant of. Multiple judges refusing to sign a warrant due to lack of evidence + Bondi having to rely on a grand jury says a lot about the charges. If the charges were sound, why would two separate judges refuse to sign a warrant?

Lemon was pretty clearly there as a journalist and operating in a journalistic capacity. It'll be difficult to substantiate that he was being violent, physically obstructing people, and using force or threats of force - which is seemingly why judges refused to sign an arrest warrant on those grounds. I didn't see him behaving like that in the videos.

 

[otto]

I don't see Don Lemon's name on the page you've posted (page 47).
Aren't we supposed to be discussing him only?
IMO.
Edited to be more clear.

In my earlier post, I presented a link to the indictment, where the names of those charged is included. I then included a link to the affidavit used in support of arrest warrant. The two legal documents are related. Each requires the other to understand the reason for the arrests. Both documents support the arrest of Don Lemon. It is for the courts to sort out his level of participation as an independent journalist, protester, both, or none.

There is no separate and individual affidavit and indictment for Don Lemon. He is charged as a protester.

Don Lemon indictment

www.documentcloud.org

FBI affidavit in suport of arrest warrant | PDF | U.S. Immigration And Customs Enforcement | American Government

This affidavit, submitted by Special Agent Timothy Gerber, outlines the investigation into a group of agitators who disrupted a religious service at Cities Church in St. Paul, MN on January 18, 2026. The group, led by Nekima Valdez Levy-Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen, coordinated their...

www.scribd.com

 

[witchway]

In my earlier post, I presented a link to the indictment, where the names of those charged is included. I then included a link to the affidavit used in support of arrest warrant. The two legal documents are related. Each requires the other to understand the reason for the arrests. Both documents support the arrest of Don Lemon. It is for the courts to sort out his level of participation as an independent journalist, protester, both, or none.

There is no separate and individual affidavit and indictment for Don Lemon. He is charged as a protester.

View attachment 641271

Don Lemon indictment

www.documentcloud.org

FBI affidavit in suport of arrest warrant | PDF | U.S. Immigration And Customs Enforcement | American Government

This affidavit, submitted by Special Agent Timothy Gerber, outlines the investigation into a group of agitators who disrupted a religious service at Cities Church in St. Paul, MN on January 18, 2026. The group, led by Nekima Valdez Levy-Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen, coordinated their...

www.scribd.com

The judge refused to sign the arrest warrant for Don Lemon and some others. The names he did sign for arrest were protesters.

 

[otto]

The language in the indictment is very disturbing. I feel as though indictments should be limited to facts, not politically charged language and accusations. IMO the DOJ will have trouble substantiating the accusations against Lemon. Language implying Lemon participated in an "attack" and insinuating it was a "violent crime" really feels overblown.

Legal proceedings aren't willy-nilly, you have to definitively and strongly prove the things you're accusing the defendant of. Multiple judges refusing to sign a warrant due to lack of evidence + Bondi having to rely on a grand jury says a lot about the charges. If the charges were sound, why would two separate judges refuse to sign a warrant?

Lemon was pretty clearly there as a journalist and operating in a journalistic capacity. It'll be difficult to substantiate that he was being violent, physically obstructing people, and using force or threats of force - which is seemingly why judges refused to sign an arrest warrant on those grounds. I didn't see him behaving like that in the videos.

There may be a problem based on a recording of the pastor asking Don Lemon to leave the building. Lemon replied, asking whether the pastor was telling him that he is not allowed to worship. That is, the independent journalist requested permission (in a confusing manner) to worship during the protest. The pastor agreed that he could worship.

Don Lemon left the building 13 minutes later. He did not spend any time worshipping. Read the document for details.

FBI affidavit in suport of arrest warrant | PDF | U.S. Immigration And Customs Enforcement | American Government

This affidavit, submitted by Special Agent Timothy Gerber, outlines the investigation into a group of agitators who disrupted a religious service at Cities Church in St. Paul, MN on January 18, 2026. The group, led by Nekima Valdez Levy-Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen, coordinated their...

www.scribd.com

Lemon was specifically asked to leave private property, and did not immediately leave. Reasons this may be a problem:

Why First Amendment Protections Are Limited in the Don Lemon Arrest — EEW Magazine

We go deeper into First Amendment limits, private property rights, and federal protections for religious worship.

www.eewmagazineonline.com

 

[Leilei]

In my earlier post, I presented a link to the indictment, where the names of those charged is included. I then included a link to the affidavit used in support of arrest warrant. The two legal documents are related. Each requires the other to understand the reason for the arrests.

View attachment 641271

Don Lemon indictment

www.documentcloud.org

FBI affidavit in suport of arrest warrant | PDF | U.S. Immigration And Customs Enforcement | American Government

This affidavit, submitted by Special Agent Timothy Gerber, outlines the investigation into a group of agitators who disrupted a religious service at Cities Church in St. Paul, MN on January 18, 2026. The group, led by Nekima Valdez Levy-Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen, coordinated their...

www.scribd.com

That particular page, however, doesn't name him at all, so the attachment that you posted doesn't relate to DL at all.
The link is fine and important, but that attachment is about Kelly's alleged actions, not Lemon.
IMO.