WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Justice (DOJ) is signaling a tougher posture on protest cases tied to religious sites. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon said the DOJ plans to seek criminal accountability for people involved in a disruptive demonstration at a Minnesota church. She also pointed to former CNN anchor Don Lemon because he was filmed inside the church during the incident and later shared video from the scene.
The protest took place in St. Paul at Cities Church. Demonstrators interrupted a worship service to object to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies. Organizers claimed a pastor connected to the church held a senior role linked to immigration enforcement, and they framed the action as a demand for justice.
Video from the event showed protesters entering the sanctuary, chanting, and holding signs. Church leaders and members described it as a violation of a place meant for quiet worship.
Dhillon addressed the situation in an interview on Newsmax’s “Newsline.” She said she plans to identify “every single person” involved in what she called the Minnesota church mob. She also said the DOJ will use federal law to hold people responsible, arguing that interrupting religious services crosses a clear legal boundary.
During the same appearance, she singled out Don Lemon and said the department would hold him accountable for what she described as his role in the protest.
The dispute around Lemon centers on his on-site coverage. Since leaving CNN, Don Lemon has worked independently and was present during the demonstration. He recorded video from inside the church and posted clips online.
Don Lemon has said he was there to report, not to join the protesters. He has described his actions as documentation only, with no connection to the organizers. DOJ officials, though, have pointed to his visibility in footage and posts as a factor that could have contributed to the disruption or helped spread the protest’s message.
What Happened at Cities Church and Why It Escalated
The Cities Church incident fit into a wider pattern of activism aimed at institutions seen as tied to federal immigration enforcement. Protesters argued that the pastor’s alleged ICE-related work made the church a proper place for confrontation.
People attending the service described a different experience. Several said they felt startled and unsafe when the group entered, and some called the moment loud and intimidating.
Federal authorities have framed the incident as a possible violation of religious freedom protections. That can include laws related to interfering with the free exercise of religion, along with other federal offenses that may apply depending on the facts.
Under Dhillon, the Civil Rights Division has put added focus on threats and disruptions involving houses of worship. The Minnesota protest is being treated as part of a rise in confrontations that, in the DOJ’s view, ignore constitutional limits.
Dhillon’s public comments also match a broader law-and-order approach to protests that officials see as going too far. Her promise to track down “every single person” suggests a wide investigation.
That type of work often includes reviewing video, checking social media, and collecting witness statements. Legal observers say charges against people who physically disrupted the service may be easier to pursue, but trying to extend liability to a journalist raises serious First Amendment issues.
Don Lemon Pushes Back Against DOJ, Press Groups Raise Concerns
Lemon has pushed back hard against the DOJ’s tone. In public remarks, he has challenged prosecutors to move forward and joked that they could “make me the next Jimmy Kimmel,” pointing to other high-profile media names caught up in legal fights. He has said he acted as an observer and reporter, and he has warned that targeting journalists for covering controversial events can chill reporting.
Press freedom advocates have also reacted with concern. Groups that monitor media rights say prosecutors should be careful about treating on-the-ground reporting as criminal conduct. They argue that houses of worship should be protected from disruptions, but journalists also have rights when they’re gathering news. Lemon’s legal team has reportedly prepared arguments focused on his lack of direct participation in the protest.
DOJ Investigation Continues After Court Setbacks
Even with Dhillon’s strong statements, the DOJ has faced obstacles in court. A federal magistrate judge recently declined the department’s initial attempt to bring charges against Lemon, citing a lack of evidence that he had criminal intent or took part beyond recording what happened. Some charges against certain protesters were also reduced or stopped at early stages, although at least three arrests connected to the event have been reported.
Justice Department leaders have said they plan to keep pursuing the case. Dhillon repeated that the effort would continue aggressively, signaling the department doesn’t plan to drop it quickly.
It remains unclear whether prosecutors will pursue indictments against Lemon or others, but the incident has already fueled a national argument about where to draw lines between religious liberty, the right to protest, and protections for the press.
Dhillon’s stance fits the administration’s focus on defending institutions it sees as under attack from aggressive activism. Critics see it differently. They say enforcement can look selective, with more attention on left-leaning protests while other disruptions get less scrutiny. The Minnesota church case, they argue, shows how public protests are spilling into private and sacred spaces, raising legal and cultural tensions at the same time.
As investigators keep working, the case will likely stay in the spotlight. Dhillon’s message has been clear: the DOJ wants to examine everyone involved, and Don Lemon remains a central figure because of his presence and coverage during the church disruption.
