Another Arrest in the Minneapolis Church Protest
- Rex Ballard
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Temple University Student Surrenders and Implicates Don Lemon as More than a Journalist
In a case that has ignited debates over religious freedoms, press rights, and protest tactics, a 21-year-old Temple University student turned himself in to federal authorities this week, becoming the latest defendant in a high-profile investigation into a disruptive anti-ICE demonstration at a Minnesota church. Jerome Deangelo Richardson, a senior political science major from St. Paul, surrendered in Philadelphia on February 2, facing charges under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act for allegedly conspiring to interfere with worshippers' rights. This development follows the arrests of prominent journalist Don Lemon and others, with prosecutors pointing to video evidence and coordination details that suggest deeper involvement in planning the January 18 event.
The Protest: Disruption at Cities Church
The incident unfolded at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, during a Sunday morning service. Protesters, organized by groups opposing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies, stormed the sanctuary chanting slogans like "Justice for Renee Good" and accusing one of the pastors, David Easterwood, of holding a dual role as an ICE field director. Demonstrators blocked aisles, confronted parishioners, and halted the worship for about 45 minutes, leading to tense exchanges captured on livestreams. The protest was part of broader nationwide actions against ICE operations, which have escalated since the start of the second Trump administration.
Footage from the event shows protesters entering the church mid-service, with some worshippers appearing shocked and others attempting to de-escalate. One video clip highlights a confrontation between a protester and a pastor, underscoring the chaotic atmosphere.
Arrests Escalate: From Lemon to Richardson
Federal indictments have now charged nine individuals, including journalists and activists, with conspiracy against religious rights and FACE Act violations. Don Lemon, the former CNN anchor turned independent journalist, was arrested on January 30 in Los Angeles while covering the Grammys. He was released without bond the next day, vowing to fight the charges and insisting he was merely reporting, not participating. Lemon described the arrest as "intimidating," claiming he offered to surrender but was taken into custody publicly to embarrass him.
Alongside Lemon, independent journalist Georgia Fort and activists Trahern Jeen Crews and Jamael Lydell Lundy were detained. Fort livestreamed her own arrest, highlighting the dramatic tactics used by federal agents. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the arrests, describing the protest as a "coordinated attack" on a protected space.
Richardson's surrender adds a youthful face to the defendants. As a St. Paul native studying at Temple University, he admitted to assisting with "logistics and local contacts" for Lemon, including connecting him to activists. Prosecutors allege this ties him to the conspiracy, though a GoFundMe for his defense portrays his role as supportive of journalism. Richardson was released pending trial, with his next court date set alongside others in Minneapolis. Temple University has acknowledged the case but declined further comment on his student status.
Evidence Points to Planning: Livestream as Key Exhibit
Central to the prosecution's case is Lemon's own livestream, which began outside the church and captured pre-protest discussions. In the footage, Lemon mentions the "secret operation," provides donuts to the group, and steps away from his microphone during sensitive talks—actions prosecutors say indicate he was "embedded" in the planning rather than observing neutrally. Richardson's statements about aiding with logistics have been cited as corroborating evidence.
DOJ's Stance: Harmeet Dhillon Lays Out the Case
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, head of the DOJ's Civil Rights Division, has been vocal about the charges. In a recent interview on "The Rubin Report" with host Dave Rubin, Dhillon detailed how the FACE Act—originally designed to protect abortion clinics—equally safeguards houses of worship from obstruction and intimidation. She highlighted Lemon's livestream as "key evidence," noting his provision of donuts and reminders about secrecy as proof of participation. Dhillon dismissed claims of selective prosecution, arguing the case ensures equal application of the law amid uneven enforcement in liberal cities.
Broader Reactions: Press Freedom vs. Religious Rights
The arrests have sparked polarized responses. Liberal outlets and figures, including panels on "The View" and MSNBC, warn that charging journalists like Lemon and Fort chills free press, especially since all arrested individuals are Black, raising questions of racial targeting.
Conservatives, however, applaud the DOJ for upholding religious liberties, arguing the protest violated federal law regardless of intent. Pastors and columnists have echoed this, emphasizing that journalism must respect boundaries.
As trials approach—Lemon's next hearing is February 9—the case continues to unfold, testing the balance between First Amendment protections for speech, press, and religion. Lemon attended the 2026 Grammys post-arrest, signaling defiance amid ongoing scrutiny.
Sources on the Protest and Overall Incident
Jerome Richardson, Philadelphia student who helped Don Lemon cover Minnesota church protest, turns himself in - CBS News LinkDetails Richardson's surrender and his role in assisting Lemon with logistics.
Temple University student who 'assisted Don Lemon' charged in federal church-storming case - Fox News (via WFMD) LinkCovers Richardson's charges and connections to the anti-ICE protest at Cities Church.
Temple University student indicted with Don Lemon after Minnesota church protest - CBS Philadelphia (YouTube) LinkVideo report on Richardson's indictment and the church disruption.
Temple Student, 21, Arrested After Helping Don Lemon Cover Anti-ICE Church Protest - Blavity LinkFocuses on Richardson's arrest and his support for Lemon's coverage.
Journalist Don Lemon arrested after protest that disrupted Minnesota church service - PBS NewsHour LinkOverview of Lemon's arrest and the protest's impact on the church service.
Feds arrest Don Lemon, Minnesota journalist and 2 others over church protest - VPM (NPR affiliate) LinkDetails arrests including Lemon and Georgia Fort, with comments from Harmeet Dhillon.
Temple Student Charged In Connection With Anti-ICE Protest At Minnesota Church - Patch Philadelphia LinkReports on Richardson's surrender and links to a GoFundMe for his defense.
Sources on Arrests and DOJ Involvement
Justice Dept. Arrests Student Activist Who Helped Don Lemon Cover Minneapolis ICE Protests - Black Enterprise LinkDiscusses Richardson's arrest and his pre-arrest social media plea.
DOJ Arrests 21-Year-Old Student Tied To Church Protest Coverage - Michigan Chronicle LinkCovers federal charges against Richardson and ties to the Cities Church incident.
PA's Jerome Richardson Released In MN Anti-ice Protest Case - Daily Voice LinkDetails Richardson's release and logistical support to Lemon.
Temple student arrested for anti-ICE protest at Minnesota church in case involving journalist Don Lemon - The Philadelphia Inquirer LinkReports on Richardson's arrest and conspiracy charges.
DOJ arrests 21-year-old student activist who helped Don Lemon with Minneapolis protest coverage - Yahoo News LinkFocuses on Richardson's assistance to Lemon during coverage.
Sources on Evidence and Lemon's Involvement
Temple University student who 'assisted Don Lemon' charged in federal church-storming case - AOL LinkHighlights evidence from Lemon's livestream and pre-protest planning.
Sources on Harmeet Dhillon's Interview and DOJ Perspective
Don Lemon Forgot About This Piece of Evidence Which Could Send Him to Jail | Harmeet Dhillon - The Rubin Report (YouTube) LinkFull interview with Dave Rubin where Dhillon discusses evidence against Lemon, including the livestream and donuts incident.
The Rubin Report - Apple Podcasts LinkPodcast episode featuring Dhillon's breakdown of the FACE Act violations.
'Ignorant on so many levels': Harmeet Dhillon on Don Lemon - NEWSMAX (YouTube) LinkDhillon's comments on the protest's legality and Lemon's involvement.
Sources on Broader Reactions and Media Coverage
MS Now Panel Warns Don Lemon's Arrest Was 'Easy First Target' In Larger Attack On Free Press - AOL (via HuffPost) LinkDiscusses concerns over press freedom and potential racial targeting.
Krystal and Saagar DEBATE: Don Lemon Anti-ICE Church Protest - Reddit (r/BreakingPoints) LinkDebate on evidence cited by Dhillon, including Lemon's "embedded" role.
