Lemon Could Face Charges After Anti-ICE Protest Inside Church [WATCH]

Former CNN host Don Lemon could face criminal prosecution for embedding with anti-ICE protesters who stormed a church service in Minnesota, according to Fox News legal analyst Gregg Jarrett, who argued that claiming to be a journalist does not provide immunity when crimes are committed, as reported by Fox News.

The comments came after Lemon went viral Sunday for his on-the-ground reporting during the disruption of a worship service at Cities Church.

The incident unfolded when anti-ICE agitators entered the sanctuary during services, shouting slogans and accusing a pastor inside the church of being affiliated with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Lemon told viewers that “the freedom to protest” is what the First Amendment protects.

Appearing Monday on Hannity with host Sean Hannity, Jarrett rejected that argument and said the conduct crossed clear legal lines.

“The right to protest, Sean, does not extend to private property and certainly not to churches, which are protected spaces by law,” Jarrett said.

“This mob that stormed the church, harassed and terrorized the congregation, they can and should be prosecuted for a variety of crimes. Trespass, disorderly conduct, disturbing a religious meeting, and importantly, violating the FACE Act.”

Jarrett said Lemon’s proximity to the protesters could expose him to legal risk if authorities determine he knowingly participated in the disruption.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

“He appears to have actually embedded himself with the mob, knowing full well that they intended to commit those crimes,” Jarrett said.

“Calling yourself a journalist, that’s not a defense, and the First Amendment is not a shield from criminal charges.”

The Minnesota church disruption occurred amid heightened protests against ICE following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent. Federal officials have said Good attempted to ram the agent with her vehicle, prompting the agent to open fire. That incident has fueled demonstrations in the Twin Cities area, including the protest inside the church.

Jarrett’s comments followed public warnings from Harmeet Dhillon, who said Lemon was “on notice” over his conduct at the scene. Dhillon serves as the Justice Department’s assistant attorney general for civil rights.

Despite the criticism, Lemon defended his actions in a statement provided to Fox News Digital, saying he was present solely in a reporting capacity.

“It’s notable that I’ve been cast as the face of a protest I was covering as a journalist — especially since I wasn’t the only reporter there. That framing is telling,” Lemon said.

“What’s even more telling is the barrage of violent threats along with homophobic and racist slurs directed at me online by MAGA supporters and amplified by parts of the right-wing press.”

Lemon argued that the focus on his presence at the church misses what he described as the underlying issue driving the protests.

“If this much time and energy is going to be spent manufacturing outrage, it would be far better used investigating the tragic death of Renee Nicole Good – the very issue that brought people into the streets in the first place,” he said.

“I stand by my reporting.”

As of Tuesday, no charges had been announced against Lemon. Authorities have not publicly indicated whether prosecutors are reviewing potential criminal liability related to the church incident.

Jarrett said the case underscores that journalistic labels do not provide legal cover when reporters cross from observing events into active participation.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.