A federal magistrate judge in Minnesota rejected an attempt by the Justice Department to charge disgraced former CNN host Don Lemon over his participation in Sunday’s invasion of a St. Paul church service by anti-ICE agitators.
Lemon, 59, was part of a group of dozens of demonstrators who disrupted Sunday worship at Cities Church.
A source familiar with the matter told The Post that Attorney General Pam Bondi was “enraged” by the judge’s decision not to sign off on the charge against Lemon and added that she was heading to Minnesota herself.
Bondi announced earlier Thursday that two prominent local activists had been arrested over the disturbance: Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen, a local Black Lives Matter leader and member of the Saint Paul Public Schools Board of Education.
The two are charged with conspiracy against rights in an effort to intimidate someone in the free exercise of their rights as secured by the US Constitution.
Lemon initially tried to get out of facing criminal conspiracy charges by claiming he was “committing journalism” while taking part in the disruption, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon told conservative podcaster Benny Johnson on Tuesday.
“Whenever anyone conspires to violate the protected civil rights of American citizens, the Klan Act can be used to bring a conspiracy charge,” she said, referring to the 1871 law that bans interference with civic acts such as voting, serving on juries or practicing religion.
Video posted by Lemon himself before, during and after the church takeover showed he was very much part of the group, boasting of being read into activists’ “Operation Pull-Up” and then effectively serving as the demonstration’s spokesman once inside the building.
The church, which describes itself as part of the Baptist tradition, was targeted by Lemon and his compatriots because one of its eight pastors, David Easterwood, reportedly also works as acting field director for ICE in Minnesota.
Lemon confronted lead pastor Jonathan Parnell in the church’s sanctuary and asked him what he thought about the ruckus.
“This is unacceptable. It’s shameful. It’s shameful to interrupt a public gathering of Christians in worship,” Parnell told Lemon.
“But listen,” Lemon scolded, “there’s a Constitution and a First Amendment to freedom of speech and freedom to assemble and protest.”
The reverend replied: “We’re here to worship Jesus because that’s the hope of these cities. That’s the hope of the world.”
Lemon then accused the pastor, who appeared to have a hand on the commentator, of pushing him, though it did not appear he had done so.
“I’m going to be very respectful. Please don’t push me, though,” Lemon sneared.
“We’re here to worship Jesus. That’s why we’re here,” the pastor repeated.
“Don’t you think Jesus would be understanding and love these folks?” Lemon pressed.
“I have to take care of my church and my family so I ask that you actually would also leave this building unless you’re here to worship,” Parnell said, ending the interview.
Tensions over immigration enforcement in Minneapolis are high as the Trump administration wages a mass-deportation drive over the objections of Democratic Gov. Tim Walz and Democratic Mayor Jacob Frey.
There have been major protests since an anti-deportation activist Renee Good, 37, was fatally shot on Jan. 7 when accelerating her vehicle toward an ICE officer after attempting to block authorities on a local road.
President Trump on Tuesday visited the White House briefing room and held up photo after photo of convicted violent criminals who were among those rounded up in the Twin Cities as part of the ongoing crackdown.
Trump said he had urged a focus on the most serious public safety threats and told his team to “lighten up” on those technically in the country illegally who are otherwise obeying the law while working on farms or in restaurants.
Vice President JD Vance traveled to Minnesota on Thursday in a show of support for federal law enforcement, including a Justice Department crackdown on fraud involving social services by Somali-American immigrants.
