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3 clusters · 11 sources · 19 days · First seen · Last updated

Don Lemon federal FACE Act indictment legal challenge

Overview

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon is seeking the dismissal of federal charges related to a protest at Cities Church in Minnesota. The indictment alleges that Lemon and 38 others violated the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act by interfering with religious freedom during an anti-immigration enforcement demonstration.

Lemon’s legal team has characterized the indictment as a ‘vindictive prosecution’ rooted in President Donald Trump’s animus toward the journalist. They argue the charges infringe upon First Amendment rights to document news events and contend that the FACE Act is unconstitutional, specifically regarding the section that criminalizes the obstruction of religious worship. The defense asserts that the law is an invalid exercise of Congressional power under the Commerce Clause because the conduct in question is non-economic and intrastate.

In a recent development, federal judge Laura Provinzino ordered the Justice Department to produce extensive grand jury materials. This follows allegations from the defense of ‘substantial evidence of grand-jury irregularities,’ including claims that a Department of Homeland Security officer provided false testimony. The defense contends the officer lied under oath by claiming he witnessed journalists participating in the protest, a claim they dispute with video evidence.

Legal experts note that if the court accepts these challenges, the ruling could potentially undermine the broader FACE Act, which also provides protections for abortion clinics.

Entities

Don Lemon · Department of Justice · Immigration and Customs Enforcement · Department of Homeland Security · Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act

Timeline

  1. 20 days ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources
    Minnesota judge demands grand jury records in Don Lemon indictment case

    A Minnesota federal judge has ordered the Justice Department to release grand jury materials in the case against journalist Don Lemon, amid allegations of prosecutorial misconduct and false testimony.

  2. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Don Lemon seeks dismissal of federal FACE Act charges

    Don Lemon is seeking to dismiss federal charges involving a Minnesota church protest, challenging the constitutionality of the FACE Act’s religious freedom protections.

  3. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 6 sources
    Don Lemon Seeks Dismissal of Federal Civil Rights Charges

    Don Lemon, former CNN anchor, seeks dismissal of a federal indictment alleging civil‑rights violations at a Minnesota church protest, claiming the case is a vindictive Trump‑driven prosecution.

Sources

alphanews.org · alternet.org · cbsnews.com · dailysignal.com · haberaktuel.com · kahawatungu.com · keyt.com · nemosnewsnetwork.com · thelibertydaily.com · transport2020.com · wnd.com

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history