U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the Justice Department has arrested 25 people who allegedly participated in a protest at a Minnesota church on Jan. 18. It comes as a member of that church has filed a lawsuit against former CNN journalist Don Lemon, who was arrested while covering the protest.
Bondi announcement
In her announcement, Bondi said 30 additional people have been indicted over the anti-immigration enforcement protest.
“YOU CANNOT ATTACK A HOUSE OF WORSHIP,” Bondi wrote. “If you do so, you cannot hide from us — we will find you, arrest you, and prosecute you.”
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Those arrested will eventually have an initial court appearance, during which a judge will determine the conditions of their release.
“This Department of Justice STANDS for Christians and all Americans of faith,” Bondi continued.
In total, 39 people now face charges from the protest, including three that the FBI arrested just a few days after the protest. Bondi said there are more arrests to come.
Following that protest, several states and cities announced new legislation imposing harsher civil and criminal penalties on church protesters.
Lemon lawsuit
Bondi’s announcement comes just one day after a congregant of that church filed a lawsuit against protesters, including Lemon.
The complaint, filed by Ann Doucette, alleges the protests interfered with her ability to worship and caused her emotional distress and trauma. She filed the complaint without the assistance of an attorney.
The suit claims Lemon, “appeared to take satisfaction” at the distress of the congregants while he livestreamed the protest.
Lemon has not commented on this latest suit and pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges filed against him.
Church protest
Protesters allegedly targeted the church because of the pastor’s alleged connection to the Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Organizers said that Pastor David Easterwood is an ICE official named in a class-action lawsuit.
The protest took place during a Sunday morning mass, with 30-40 protesters interrupting the service. They chanted “ICE out” as they moved about the church and back into the parking lot.
Among those facing charges is Nekima Levy Armstrong, a civil rights attorney in Minnesota. In a Facebook post today, Armstrong announced the recent arrests and called on demonstrators to show their support at the courthouse during the upcoming hearings.
