You Had Two Dozen Agents Show Up at Your Door?' Anderson Cooper in Disbelief as Journalist Describes Arrest by Feds

"On Friday, Georgia Fort, an Emmy-winning independent journalist, and former CNN host Don Lemon were charged with conspiracy to deprive rights after they covered a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul this month. The two were covering a demonstration at the church, where one of the pastors, David Easterwood, is reportedly acting director of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in the city."

"How are you doing? And were you surprised that you were arrested? Cooper asked. Obviously, previous attempts to arrest you had been blocked by federal courts. I'm hanging in there, Fort replied. It is quite frightening to have two dozen agents outside of your home. You know, my children were home with me when I was arrested. And so, yeah, it's been a long day. And yes, it was extremely shocking."

"Cooper then read from part of the indictment, which stated that Fort and the others entered the church in a coordinated takeover-style attack and engaged in acts of oppression, intimidation, threats, interference and physical obstruction. The indictment further alleged, Congregants fled the church building for fear of their safety. Anderson, I am a journalist just like you, Fort said. I went in my capacity as a journalist. I documented as a journalist. The footage is published. It speaks for itself."

Georgia Fort and Don Lemon were charged with conspiracy to deprive rights after covering a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul. One of the church's pastors, David Easterwood, is reportedly acting director of the local ICE field office. Protests against the Trump administration's immigration crackdown have surged following recent fatal encounters involving federal agents. Fort and Lemon pleaded not guilty. Attorney General Pam Bondi said she personally ordered their arrests and the arrests of two others. Fort livestreamed agents outside her door, reported two dozen agents at her home with her children present, and said she acted and documented events as a journalist.

Read at www.mediaite.com