Key Facts
• January 18: Protesters entered a church in St. Paul, Minnesota, disrupting worship.
• Four freelance journalists, including former CNN host Don Lemon, were arrested.
• Arrests announced January 30 by US Attorney General Pam Bondi.
• Bondi stated arrests were under her orders and linked to an organized attack on the church.
• Federal grand jury indicted the four on January 29.
• Lemon live-streamed the protest, accused of violating religious freedom.
• Lemon was granted bail by a federal court in Los Angeles on January 30.
• Protests continue nationwide following a woman’s shooting by ICE officers.
• Large demonstrations held across the US on January 30, with many skipping work and school.
Summary
US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrest of four freelance journalists, including former CNN host Don Lemon, for entering a church in St. Paul, Minnesota, during an immigration-related protest. The protest disrupted a worship service led by an ICE officer who is also a pastor. Bondi emphasized that the arrests were made under her direct orders and connected to an organized assault on the church. Lemon live-streamed the event and faces charges of infringing on religious freedom. After being indicted by a federal grand jury, Lemon was granted bail in Los Angeles. The protests were sparked by the shooting of a woman by ICE officers and have continued nationwide, with large gatherings on January 30 drawing many participants who took time off work and school.
