"Don Lemon pleaded not guilty to two federal crimes in St. Paul Friday afternoon. Lemon has been charged with conspiracy to violate someone's constitutional rights, and violation of the FACE Act. Both charges stem from Lemon's livestreaming of an anti-ICE protest in Minnesota January 18. Lemon and another journalist, Georgia Fort, broadcast a protest at Cities Church, which prosecutors argue violated parishioners' First Amendment right to freedom of religion."
"Lemon's attorneys, meanwhile argue the arrest itself is a violation of Lemon's First Amendment freedom of press. "This isn't just about me, this is about all journalists, especially in the United States," Lemon told those gathered outside the courthouse. "I will not be intimidated, I will not back down, I will fight these baseless charges and I will not be silenced." Lemon also released a statement on social media after entering his plea."
"On January 18, protesters went into Cities Church to call out a pastor they believed was "the acting field director of a local ICE office." Prosecutors claim Lemon and Fort participated in a "takeover-style attack" on the church, while the journalists have said they were merely covering the event rather than taking part. It is the broadcast of the services during the protest that prosecutors claim was intimidation."
Don Lemon pleaded not guilty to federal charges in St. Paul alleging conspiracy to violate someone's constitutional rights and violation of the FACE Act. Prosecutors say the charges arise from Lemon's livestreaming of an anti-ICE protest at Cities Church on January 18. Prosecutors contend the broadcast intimidated parishioners and violated their First Amendment freedom of religion. Lemon and fellow journalist Georgia Fort maintain they were reporting on the protest and not participating. Lemon's attorneys contend the arrest violated Lemon's First Amendment freedom of the press. Lemon publicly vowed not to be intimidated and said he will fight the charges.
Read at Vulture
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