Federal agents arrest journalist Georgia Fort as Democrats call DOJ action 'illegitimate'

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA: Federal agents arrested independent journalist Georgia Fort, along with several activists, early Friday morning in St. Paul. This operation was carried out under a directive from Attorney General Pamela Bondi, related to a recent protest at a local church. The detentions quickly drew national attention, drawing sharp criticism from senior Democrats, who questioned the Justice Department’s handling of the case and signaled potential oversight if investigations proceed. 

In addition to the widely reported detention of former CNN anchor Don Lemon, the operation also included arrests of independent media figures and local organizers. Bondi confirmed on X that Fort, Trahern Jeen Crews, and Jamael Lydell Lundy were taken into custody. She stated that the arrests were made “at my direction” and were connected to what she described as a “coordinated attack” on Cities Church in St. Paul earlier this month.

Agents execute arrests for church attack

Bondi stated that the arrests were linkedto the disruption of a religious service at Cities Church. A group of protesters against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) entered the building during worship. In her statement, she identified Crews and Lundy, and Fort as individuals arrested “in connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.”

The Attorney General noted that more information would be released later, but emphasized that federal authorities viewed the incident as more than a routine protest. The arrests signal a firm federal response to the disruption of the church service, which authorities claim escalated into confrontations inside the sanctuary.

Journalist claims arrest violates press freedom

Fort broadcast live on Facebook shortly before surrendering to federal agents, expressing her belief her arrest was connected to her work documenting the protest. “This is all stemming from the fact that I filmed a protest as a member of the media,” she told viewers.

She argued that the action infringed on press protections guaranteed by the Constitution. “We are supposed to have our constitutional right of the freedom to film, to be a member of the press,” Fort said, adding that she felt her First Amendment rights were being undermined by the arrest. She ended the video questioning how press freedom is protected if journalists can be detained for covering protests. 

Protesters rushed the service, causing a tense confrontation

The arrests are connected to an incident that occurred earlier this month when anti-ICE demonstrators entered Cities Church during a service, briefly interrupting the proceedings and prompting a response from law enforcement. Fort and Lemon were among those present to record the event, which federal authorities later described as organized and disruptive.

Specific charges against Fort and the other detainees were not immediately disclosed. However, the Justice Department’s description of the protest suggests investigators are treating the incident as a coordinated action rather than a spontaneous demonstration.

Jeffries slams extremists in Justice Department

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries responded forcefully to the arrests, issuing a statement on X condemning the Justice Department’s actions. He defended Lemon as an “accomplished journalist” whose work is protected by the First Amendment and broadened his criticism to encompass the department itself.

“The Trump Justice Department is illegitimate and these extremists will all be held accountable for their crimes against the Constitution,” Jeffries wrote, calling for the immediate release of those detained. His remarks highlight the likelihood that the arrests will face increased scrutiny from congressional Democrats, especially if they regain oversight authority following the upcoming midterm elections.