Don Lemon sued by parishioner over Minnesota church takeover during anti-ICE protest
A churchgoer has filed a civil lawsuit against news commentator Don Lemon, alleging his involvement in a protest that disrupted a Minnesota church last month.
The suit stems from the Jan. 18 incident at Cities Church in St. Paul, where Lemon, 59, joined several dozen Black Lives Matter activists during a Sunday service. According to the complaint, obtained by TMZ, the protesters’ actions caused plaintiff Ann Doucette “severe emotional distress, fear, anxiety, and trauma” and interfered with her ability to freely practice her faith. The lawsuit also names other protesters who participated in the disruption.
Authorities say Lemon coordinated with a demonstrator who provided “logistics and local contacts in support of the operation.” The suit claims Lemon livestreamed the event and “appeared to take satisfaction” in the disruption.
Lemon, who was arrested in Los Angeles on Jan. 30 while covering the Grammy Awards, has maintained that he was exercising his First Amendment rights while reporting on the protest. He faces charges of conspiracy against the right of religious freedom at a place of worship and injuring, intimidating, and interfering with that right. He pleaded not guilty and criticized the charges outside a Minneapolis courthouse, saying, “The process is the punishment with the Trump administration,” and vowing not to be silenced.
The protest targeted the church because Pastor David Eastwood also serves as an acting field office director for ICE in St. Paul. In interviews since his arrest, Lemon has stated he was mistaken for a participant by worshippers due to the predominantly Black group of protesters.
If convicted, Lemon could face up to 10 years in prison. The lawsuit does not disclose the amount Doucette is seeking in damages.
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