Federal Magistrate Declines to Authorise Charges Against Former CNN Anchor
A federal magistrate judge has declined to sign off on proposed charges against Don Lemon, the former CNN news anchor, in connection with a protest that took place at a church in Minnesota over the weekend. This decision, reported by a source familiar with the proceedings, represents a significant legal development in a case that has attracted considerable political attention.
Bondi Reportedly 'Enraged' by Judicial Decision
According to reports from both NBC News and CNN, the magistrate's refusal to approve the charges has "enraged" attorney general Pam Bondi. The judicial setback comes amidst a backdrop of vocal demands from former President Donald Trump and his political allies for Lemon's arrest following the incident.
The protest in question occurred at the Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, where demonstrators interrupted a religious service. Attendees, including Lemon who broadcast from the scene, stated they were protesting because a pastor at the church also served as the acting field director for a local office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Videos capturing the disruption subsequently circulated widely online.
Political Figures Weigh In on Church Incident
Donald Trump commented publicly on the event earlier this week, expressing strong disapproval. "I saw him the way he walked in that church, it was terrible," Trump said of Lemon. "I have such respect for that pastor. He was so calm, he was so nice. He was just accosted. What they did in that church was horrible."
In a separate development, attorney general Pam Bondi announced on Thursday morning that two of the protesters involved had been arrested. She emphasised her stance in a post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, stating: "WE DO NOT TOLERATE ATTACKS ON PLACES OF WORSHIP."
The U.S. Department of Justice has not provided an immediate response to requests for comment regarding the magistrate judge's decision or the broader case. This legal refusal marks a pivotal moment in a story intertwining media figures, political pressure, and protests at a place of worship.
