Don Lemon moves to dismiss case over Minnesota church protest on selective and vindictive prosecution claims

Published August 7, 2026 11:37am ET



Former CNN anchor Don Lemon asked a federal judge Friday to dismiss the case stemming from an anti-ICE protest that disrupted a Minnesota church service, arguing President Donald Trump’s Justice Department selectively and vindictively targeted him for reporting.

Prosecutors allege Lemon was part of a “takeover-style attack” at Cities Church in St. Paul on Jan. 18. Demonstrators rushed into the church during worship, and Lemon live-streamed the episode. He has maintained that he was there to document it.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.