CNN
By Brian Stelter, Kara Scannell, Hannah Rabinowitz, Nick Watt, CNN
(CNN) — Two independent journalists, Don Lemon and Georgia Fort, have been criminally charged in connection with a protest at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota.
First Amendment advocates and civil-rights organizations condemned the arrests and argued that President Donald Trump is trying to chill press freedom in the US.
Lemon and Fort were live-streaming as dozens of anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement protesters rushed into Cities Church on January 18, interrupting a church service and leading to tense confrontations.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said four people were arrested early Friday “in connection with the coordinated attack” at the church. The other two individuals Bondi named were Trahern Jeen Crew and Jamael Lydell Lundy.
Lemon, a former CNN anchor who now hosts his own show on YouTube and other platforms, was released from custody after appearing in federal court in Los Angeles on Friday afternoon.
Lemon appeared in court wearing a tan double-breasted suit and matching T-shirt. His husband was present in the gallery.
“This is a very serious felony,” a federal prosecutor said in court, adding Lemon “knowingly joined a mob to storm into a church.”
The prosecutor said Lemon told his audience the protest’s purpose was to make the experience traumatic and uncomfortable for the congregants. Prosecutors requested a $100,000 bond, and argued Lemon needed conditions to ensure he wouldn’t feel emboldened to do something similar while awaiting trial.
In arguing for Lemon’s release, his defense attorney said the journalist needs to travel for work and pointed to Lemon’s 59 years of non-violent conduct. The defense attorney said Lemon intends to fight the case.
Lemon was released on his own recognizance. His defense attorneys agreed he would have no contact with known witnesses, victims or co-defendants. Under the conditions set by the court, Lemon must get approval for any foreign travel. The judge approved a trip to Europe he has planned in June.
According to the unsealed grand jury indictment, Lemon is being charged with two federal crimes: conspiring to violate someone’s constitutional rights and violating the FACE Act, which prohibits the use of force or threats to intentionally interfere with someone expressing their First Amendment right to practice religion.
Lowell said “this unprecedented attack on the First Amendment and transparent attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration will not stand. Don will fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court.”
The indictment alleges that Lemon and Fort took part in a “takeover-style attack” of the St. Paul church, along with 20 to 40 other people who allegedly intimidated and threatened the congregation.
Prosecutors claim that Lemon met with other co-defendants prior to the event for a “pre-operation briefing,” and that he tried to k