Former CNN host Don Lemon doubled down Monday on his defense of left-wing protesters who disrupted a church service in Minnesota, suggesting that parishioners were motivated by racism and white supremacy while also claiming he is being politically targeted by the Trump administration.
Lemon made the remarks during an appearance on I’ve Had It Podcast News with left-wing podcaster Jennifer Welch, as federal officials weigh whether his involvement in the incident could carry legal consequences. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon told podcaster Benny Johnson on Monday that Lemon could potentially face charges under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which also prohibits interference with religious worship, despite Lemon’s claim that he was engaged in journalism.
During the podcast, Lemon argued that the broader immigration enforcement effort—and opposition to it—was rooted in racial bias. He said the parishioners at Cities Church, which was stormed during a Sunday service, were part of what he characterized as an entitled religious culture.
“I think that there is obviously… racism in it,” Lemon said, alleging that immigration enforcement targets people based on accents and skin color. He went on to claim that members of religious groups like the one at Cities Church derive a sense of entitlement from “supremacy, white supremacy,” and falsely believe the United States was built exclusively for white Christians.
“It’s religious freedom, but only if you’re a Christian and only if you’re a white male, pretty much,” Lemon said.
Lemon had livestreamed the incident on his YouTube channel, arriving at Cities Church roughly 40 minutes into a prolonged broadcast documenting anti-ICE protests. During the stream, he greeted activist Nekima Levy Armstrong, who led the group that entered the church and disrupted the service.
“She has been doing this since George Floyd, Dante Wright and others,” Lemon said during the livestream, describing the tactic as surprising people to “hold them to account.”
Although Lemon denied Sunday that he knew the church would be targeted, earlier remarks in his livestream suggested prior awareness of the group’s plans. At the start of the broadcast, Lemon told viewers that the protest was a “surprise operation” and said he could not disclose where the group was headed.
Federal officials are continuing to investigate whether the disruption violated civil rights laws. The Justice Department has cited the FACE Act as a possible basis for enforcement, and Attorney General Pam Bondi has said the department will pursue any violations of federal law related to the intimidation of religious worshippers.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from federal officials and religious leaders, while Lemon’s latest comments have further intensified criticism that he went beyond reporting and actively endorsed actions that interfered with a church service.
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