New Legal Representation for Don Lemon Amid Controversial Charges

Wed Feb 11 2026 11:16:46 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Former prosecutor Joe Thompson takes on Don Lemon's case as the journalist faces civil rights charges related to a protest at a Minnesota church.

Don Lemon, former CNN host and journalist, has employed Joe Thompson, a former federal prosecutor, to represent him as he faces civil rights charges linked to an alleged disruption of a service at a Minnesota church. Lemon has maintained his innocence, asserting he was not part of the group that protested and was merely covering the event as an independent journalist. Thompson's resignation last month amid controversies within the Justice Department underscores a turbulent environment for prosecutors in Minnesota, particularly regarding immigration enforcement issues. Lemon's arraignment is scheduled for February 13 in federal court in St. Paul.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Don Lemon, the former CNN anchor, is now represented by Joe Thompson, a former federal prosecutor who recently resigned amidst disputes with the Trump administration. Lemon has been indicted, along with eight others, for their alleged participation in disrupting a church service where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official served as the pastor.

A court filing indicates Lemon has officially retained Thompson for his defense, following Thompson's previous role in leading significant investigation efforts in Minnesota.

This legal challenge comes as several prosecutors leave the U.S. Attorney's Office in Minnesota, expressing frustration with the administration’s immigration policies and the Justice Department’s handling of various incidents involving federal law enforcement officers.

Previously, Lemon communicated through another attorney his intent to plead not guilty to federal civil rights charges, asserting his role as an independent journalist covering the protest, which he claims he was not part of.

The upcoming arraignment is set for February 13 in federal court in St. Paul.

The charges against Lemon occur against a backdrop of broader immigration enforcement debates in Minnesota, with the Trump administration linking cases like this to its stringent immigration policies. This adds another layer of complexity to the proceedings.

Lemon’s current legal representation signals a significant move, as this case has attracted considerable media attention, reflecting ongoing tensions surrounding civil rights and immigration enforcement in the U.S.