On Thursday, authorities began making arrests related to a group of activists who disrupted a church service in Minnesota, ignoring multiple requests to leave. The first to be detained was Nekima Levy Armstrong, identified as the purported leader of the protest, followed by Chauntyll Louisa Allen. Later in the day, William Kelly, described as particularly disruptive, was also taken into custody.

If you’ve been keeping up with the developments, you might know that TV personality Don Lemon was involved in the incident. According to reports from RedState, he aligned himself with the activists before the disruption, seemingly aware of their plans. Lemon participated in the church invasion, where he confronted the pastor, asserting the activists’ supposed right to be there. Despite being asked to leave, Lemon lingered for another eight minutes, engaging with attendees—all captured on video.

Although the Department of Justice (DOJ) pursued charges, a Minnesota magistrate judge declined to approve an arrest warrant for Lemon despite his alleged involvement and prior knowledge of the event. RedState’s legal analyst, Susie Moore, clarified the situation and discussed potential legal avenues for prosecutors. In response to the legal scrutiny, Lemon released a video challenging the DOJ to arrest him, while defending his journalistic credentials.

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

Lemon is right about one thing: the DOJ is not planning to let this matter rest.

Which brings us to what Lemon did when the attack started. He didn’t stay outside to document the situation. Instead, he participated in the invasion of the church, including expressing support for the operation. At one point, he asserts to the pastor that the activists have a First Amendment right to protest in the church. He also demands to know why the pastor isn’t doing something to appease those who had just invaded the house of worship. 

NEW: Don Lemon tries lecturing a pastor on the First Amendment after a mob of far leftists stormed a church in Minneapolis.

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. 

Editor’s Note: Do you enjoy RedState’s conservative reporting that takes on the radical left and woke media? Support our work so that we can continue to bring you the truth.

Join RedState VIP and use the promo code FIGHT to get 60% off your VIP membership!