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Don Lemon federal FACE Act indictment legal challenge

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2026-08-10 22:48 UTC → 2026-08-26 22:04 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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’ ~~and has raised constitutional challenges.~~ 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.

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