Blanche accuses Don Lemon of aiding in the planning of the Minneapolis church protest

WASHINGTON, DC: Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on Sunday claimed that journalist Don Lemon was not merely covering a protest at a Minnesota church but was actively involved in organizing it.

Blanche made the remarks on CNN’s 'State of the Union' with Dana Bash, citing an indictment that alleges Lemon participated in planning and coordinating the January demonstration at Cities Church in St Paul, Minnesota. 

According to Blanche, Lemon’s alleged conduct went beyond journalism and crossed into deliberate efforts to conceal the protest from law enforcement.

Lemon and others were charged in connection with the protest that disrupted a service; he has denied wrongdoing and maintains his presence was part of his work as a journalist.

DOJ claims Lemon helped shield protest plans

Speaking to host Dana Bash, Blanche said the indictment outlines Lemon’s role in discussions ahead of the protest, including decisions about how to avoid alerting authorities.

“He was part of the planning,” Blanche said. “He was part of the decisions to make sure the federal law enforcement didn’t know this was happening.”

Blanche argued that these actions undermine Lemon’s claim that he was simply reporting on events as they unfolded.

While acknowledging that the legal process is ongoing, Blanche rejected the notion that the First Amendment shields all of Lemon’s alleged behavior.

“If he wants to go forward with the defense that, ‘Aw, shucks, I was just a journalist,’ he can do that,” Blanche said. “But, obviously, as the indictment lays out, there’s a lot of things that Mr. Lemon did that you would never do as a journalist. You would never do that.”

He also denied Bash's question if the White House was trying to make examples of people who have sparred with President Trump.

Indictment alleges advance coordination

According to the 14-page indictment, Lemon allegedly received advance information from activists about the protest and took steps to limit public disclosure of key details, including the location of the demonstration.

Prosecutors claim this was done intentionally to prevent law enforcement from preparing for or intervening in the event.

The indictment asserts that Lemon maintained contact with organizers before the protest and was aware of the plan to disrupt church services.

The document stops short of accusing Lemon of leading the protest but alleges he played a role in facilitating its execution.

Following his release, Lemon forcefully defended his actions, framing the case as an attack on press freedom and independent journalism.

“I will not stop now. I will not stop ever,” Lemon said. “In fact, there is no more important time but right now, this very moment, for a free and independent media that shines a light on truth and holds those in power accountable.”

In a separate statement on Friday, Lemon said his reporting is protected under the First Amendment and added that he looks “forward to my day in court.”

He later warned MAGA, saying they just awakened a sleeping giant, adding that he's not worried about being "locked up" for storming the church.

His legal team has yet outline a defense strategy, but Lemon has maintained he was present solely as a journalist covering a protest of public interest.

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