Journalist Don Lemon pleaded not guilty on Friday to federal charges stemming from his reporting at an anti-ICE protest in a Minnesota church, multiple outlets reported.
Why it matters: President Trump's Department of Justice brought the case against the former CNN anchor, sparking backlash over First Amendment concerns.
- He faces charges under the FACE Act, a federal law that prohibits interfering with people exercising their religious rights. The 1994 law was created to allow freedom of access to abortion clinic entrances, making the DOJ's prosecution of Lemon under it unusual.
- First-time offenders could face a prison sentence of up to a year.
Catch up quick: Lemon was arrested last month after he interviewed protesters, congregants and a pastor during a church protest.
- Protesters disrupted service after learning that one of its pastors was the acting director of an ICE field office. Independent journalist Georgia Fort was also charged after covering the demonstration.
- Lemon, who became a target of conservative politicians and influencers, has said he was there in his capacity as a journalist, not a participant in the protest.
- Press freedom and First Amendment advocates say this distinction should preclude him from punishment.
Zoom in: Several others who took part in the protest are also facing charges.
- Four others pleaded not guilty, per AP, including former NAACP Minneapolis chapter leader Nekima Levy Armstrong.
Behind the scenes: Authorities seized Lemon's phone during the arrest and obtained a search warrant, per NBC News.
- Abbe Lowell, Lemon's attorney, asked for the return of the phone, CNN reported.
Go deeper: Don Lemon released following arrest and Minnesota church protest
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details.
