Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Monday the arrests of Ian Davis Austin and Jerome Deangelo Richardson, individuals named in a federal indictment related to a protest at The Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. These arrests bring the total number of those indicted to nine, including former CNN anchor Don Lemon and journalist Georgia Fort.
Protest and Indictment Details
The initial protest occurred on January 18th and targeted the church’s pastor, who demonstrators allege works for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security characterized the protest as a coordinated attack on the church. Last week, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging all nine defendants with conspiracy against the rights of religious freedom at a place of worship, as well as injuring, intimidating, and interfering with the exercise of those rights.
Bondi stated on social media, “If you riot in a place of worship, we WILL find you.” However, a federal magistrate last week rejected the criminal complaint against Lemon and other defendants, finding the administration lacked probable cause for the arrests.
Legal Challenges and Responses
Following his release, Lemon stated he would continue his journalistic work, including covering events like the church protest. His attorney, Abbe Lowell, described the arrest as “an unprecedented attack on the First Amendment and transparent attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration.”
The arrests have occurred amid existing outrage over the Trump administration’s immigration policies in Minnesota and the deaths of two U.S. citizens involving federal officers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges are the defendants facing?
The defendants are charged with conspiracy against the rights of religious freedom at a place of worship and injuring, intimidating and interfering with the exercise of the right of religious freedom at a place of worship.
Was Don Lemon held in custody?
Don Lemon was arrested Friday, but was released last week after a federal magistrate rejected the criminal complaint against him.
What was the Department of Homeland Security’s assessment of the protest?
The Department of Homeland Security called the protest a coordinated attack on the church.
As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen whether the administration will pursue further charges or appeal the magistrate’s decision. The case could also prompt further scrutiny of the government’s approach to protests and the application of federal statutes in these situations.
