Minneapolis St. Paul, MN, August 7, 2026 —

Journalist Don Lemon has filed a motion seeking the dismissal of felony civil rights charges brought against him in connection with his reporting on an anti-Ice protest. The charges are related to an incident that occurred during his coverage of a demonstration at Cities Church in St. Paul.

Lemon’s legal team is contending that the prosecution is an infringement upon his First Amendment rights. Their argument posits that he was targeted and charged specifically because of his journalistic activities while covering a public event. The defense asserts that Lemon was performing his duties as a journalist, documenting the protest, and that these actions should be protected under the umbrella of free speech and press freedom.

The specific details surrounding the events that led to the charges, including the exact nature of Lemon’s reporting and the actions taken by law enforcement or other authorities, have not been fully detailed in public filings. The legal strategy hinges on the principle that reporting on public protests and civil unrest is a protected activity, and prosecuting a journalist for this work is unconstitutional.

The prosecution’s case, according to the defense’s motion, fails to establish probable cause that Lemon committed a crime. Instead, the motion argues, the charges appear to be a direct response to his journalistic endeavors. The legal team is requesting that the court review the evidence and dismiss the charges accordingly, affirming the protections afforded to members of the press.

Further court proceedings will determine the validity of these arguments and the future of the charges against Don Lemon. The outcome could have implications for journalists covering public demonstrations and the boundaries of their reporting activities.



Story summarized from the original created by Sabrina Salguero Del Cid on kstp.com, see more information here.

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