On Thursday, authorities began making arrests after a group of activists disrupted a church service in Minnesota, defying repeated requests to leave. Nekima Levy Armstrong, identified as the alleged leader of the organized protest, was the first to be detained, followed by Chauntyll Louisa Allen. Later, William Kelly, described as particularly unruly, was also apprehended.

If you’ve been tracking this unfolding saga, you’ll recognize the involvement of Don Lemon, a journalist whose role in the incident has been widely debated. According to reports from RedState, Lemon was seen joining the activists before the church invasion, suggesting he was aware of their plans. During the disruption, he confronted the pastor, insisting the “protesters” had a right to remain. Even after being asked to leave, Lemon lingered for an additional eight minutes, pressing those present. The entire episode was captured on video.

While the Department of Justice (DOJ) pursued charges, a magistrate judge in Minnesota declined to authorize an arrest warrant for Lemon, despite his alleged involvement. Susie Moore, RedState’s legal analyst, shed light on the proceedings and discussed potential legal routes for prosecutors. Undeterred, Lemon released a video challenging the DOJ to arrest him, while asserting his credentials as a journalist.

Harmeet Dhillon, head of the DOJ Civil Rights Division, offered a brief but significant comment on the matter.

Lemon is accurate in asserting that the DOJ isn’t dismissing this case.

Being involved in planning and executing multiple criminal activities cannot be excused by merely claiming journalistic intent. Had Lemon exited the church immediately when asked, he might have had a stronger defense. However, his prolonged presence and actions suggested an agenda beyond mere observation, as he appeared to advocate against ICE and align with the activists, using the guise of journalism to justify his active participation in the incident.

Pastor: “This is unacceptable. It’s shameful to interrupt a public gathering of Christians in worship…”

Lemon: “Listen, there’s a constitution, the First… pic.twitter.com/joHdCvaXe6

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 18, 2026

As the DOJ sought to bring charges, though, a magistrate judge in Minnesota refused to sign off on an arrest warrant for Lemon despite his alleged pre-planning and participation. RedState’s resident legal expert, Susie Moore, explained what went down and what other options are out there for prosecutors. In the aftermath, Don Lemon has now doubled down, putting out a video in which he taunts the DOJ to come arrest him while touting his supposed journalistic qualities. 

Don Lemon DARES Pam Bondi to try and arrest him..

“I stand proud, and I stand tall — keep trying..” 👀 pic.twitter.com/SRHYvdOxZa

— American AF 🇺🇸 (@iAnonPatriot) January 23, 2026

LEMON: Look, I stand proud, and I stand tall. This is not a victory lap for me because this is not over. They’re gonna try again, and they’re gonna try again, and guess what? Here I am. Keep trying. That’s not gonna stop me from being a journalist. You’re not gonna diminish my voice. Go ahead, make me into the new Jimmy Kimmel if you want. Because I’m not going anywhere, and I’m going to believe the same things whether you want to, whatever. None of this is about justice. This is about power, and it’s about people who are incompetent.

DOJ Civil Rights Division head Harmeet Dhillon gave a very succinct yet telling response. 

Okay https://t.co/Exo4dFnww8

— AAGHarmeetDhillon (@AAGDhillon) January 23, 2026

Lemon is correct about one thing: The DOJ will not be dropping this issue. 

When you allegedly organize with people getting ready to commit multiple criminal acts, claiming to be a “journalist” is not a get-out-of-jail-free card. Had Lemon immediately left the church when the pastor asked him to, he might have more of a leg to stand on. He didn’t, though, and his actions and words indicated someone who was not there to simply document things as an idle observer, but to push an anti-ICE message and support the activists, while using claims of “journalism” to cover for his direct participation in the attack. 

Of course, Lemon knows all this. He’s not taunting the DOJ because he truly believes he’s not in legal jeopardy, nor does he honestly believe he’ll be the next “Jimmy Kimmel.” He’d need to actually have some semblance of cultural relevance for that to happen, and Lemon is basically as influential as Jim Acosta at this point. 

What Lemon does have, though, are eyes and ears. He’s been paying attention to how our justice system operates over the last year, and he knows that his best defense is to make as much noise as possible. The more he taunts and puffs his chest out, the more likely he is to influence a future juror or judge. He’s also just delusional enough to want the DOJ to charge him so he can monetize it. As a fired network host with a middling podcast, Lemon needs the attention. I’d suggest the DOJ give it to him. 

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