Don Lemon Pleads Not Guilty After Video Appears to Undercut Federal Indictment
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon pleaded not guilty on Feb. 13 to federal civil rights and obstruction charges tied to his coverage of a protest at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota, insisting he was working as a journalist, not participating in the demonstration.
The case has drawn national attention — and now new video footage appears to contradict key claims in the federal indictment, raising questions about the Justice Department’s narrative and the use of civil rights statutes in protest coverage.
Lemon and eight others are charged with conspiring to deprive worshippers of religious rights under laws including the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, a statute typically applied in obstruction cases. Prosecutors allege the defendants disrupted a service and intimidated congregants.
But footage reviewed by The Washington Post shows Lemon conducting interviews, identifying himself as a reporter, livestreaming events, and not engaging in threatening or blocking behavior alleged in the indictment, according to reporting. The video does not depict him preventing movement or confronting worshippers as prosecutors contend.
His legal team says the evidence underscores Lemon’s role as a journalist protected by the First Amendment. “He was there in a journalist capacity, documenting for the public, not acting as a protest leader or agitator,” his attorney said in court.
The Justice Department has declined to publicly address the apparent contradiction between the indictment and the new footage. Civil liberties advocates and press organizations have condemned the charges, warning of chilling effects on journalists covering protests.
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Lemon was arrested in Los Angeles on Jan. 30 while covering another event and was released without bail. At his arraignment, crowds of supporters chanted and rallied for free speech protections.
As the case unfolds, court filings and future hearings will likely focus on whether the video evidence undermines prosecutors’ ability to prove criminal conduct. Lemon’s defense is expected to challenge the charges at upcoming motions hearings.