The Don Lemon indictment: Video appears to contradict key claims

"The Jan. 29 indictment calls the nine defendants "agitators" and says they "entered the Church in a coordinated takeover-style attack." In multiple instances it describes the alleged conduct of the two journalists and the protesters collectively. It does not characterize Lemon or Georgia Fort as journalists, though it notes that he was live-streaming video to his online program "The Don Lemon Show" and that Fort, acting separately, conducted an interview at one point."

"Experts said that if Lemon was operating as a journalist during the Jan. 18 protest at Cities Church in St. Paul - rather than as a participant - that could undermine accusations that he was part of a conspiracy or that he intended to interfere with protected rights. During the approximately 45 minutes Lemon live-streamed at the church, he conducted interviews and repeatedly identified himself as a reporter, while also voicing sympathy for the protesters' cause."

Video footage appears to contradict key aspects of a federal indictment's descriptions of former CNN anchor Don Lemon's actions at a protest inside a church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Lemon, another independent journalist and several protesters are charged with conspiring to deprive congregants of their religious rights and of interfering with access to a place of worship. The indictment calls the nine defendants "agitators" and alleges they "entered the Church in a coordinated takeover-style attack," often describing the journalists and protesters collectively. The indictment does not label Lemon or Georgia Fort as journalists, but notes Lemon live-streamed to "The Don Lemon Show" and Fort conducted an interview. Experts note that presence as a reporter does not guarantee immunity and that at least one independent journalist from the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol assault was later convicted of trespassing and other misdemeanors. Experts add that if Lemon was operating as a journalist rather than a participant, that could undercut conspiracy or interference accusations; Lemon conducted interviews, repeatedly identified himself as a reporter, and voiced sympathy for protesters during about 45 minutes of live-streaming.

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