Former CNN anchor Don Lemon is now being represented by Joseph H. Thompson, a federal prosecutor who recently resigned from his position amid ethical concerns regarding the Trump administration’s handling of the investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good.
Legal Battle Intensifies
Thompson entered a notice of appearance for Lemon on Tuesday in a case accusing the journalist of violating the religious freedom of worshippers. The charges stem from Lemon’s coverage of protests that disrupted services at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Lemon faces charges brought by the Trump administration related to his livestream of the protest, which focused on a pastor demonstrators alleged worked for Immigration and Customs Enforcement during a period of heightened clashes between federal law enforcement and protesters.
Thompson recently left the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota due to ethical concerns over the Trump administration’s handling of the investigation into the death of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, who was killed by an ICE officer. Prior to his resignation, Thompson led a successful federal fraud investigation.
Thompson has since launched a new firm, Thompson Jacobs, with a former Justice Department colleague, focusing on white-collar defense and related legal services. He did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding his representation of Lemon.
Lemon maintains he was at the protest to “chronicle and document and record,” asserting a distinction between being a protester and a journalist. The federal government is citing the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act to justify the arrests, a statute that has seen limited application to protests at houses of worship, according to Harmeet Dhillon, a former top civil rights official in the Justice Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges does Don Lemon face?
Lemon faces charges of conspiracy and violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, stemming from his coverage of a protest at a church in St. Paul.
Why did Joseph H. Thompson resign from the U.S. Attorney’s Office?
Thompson resigned over ethical concerns about the Trump administration’s handling of the investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good.
What is the FACE Act?
The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act prohibits using force or intimidation against anyone trying to access reproductive services, but also includes provisions that cover houses of worship.
As Lemon’s arraignment and initial appearance are scheduled for Friday afternoon, will his defense team be able to successfully challenge the charges and the application of the FACE Act in this case?
