politicsliberal

A New Legal Battle Unfolds for a TV Anchor

St. Paul, MN, USA,Wednesday, February 11, 2026
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Don Lemon’s Legal Battle Intensifies

Former CNN host Don Lemon, now facing serious legal trouble over a protest at a St. Paul church, has secured the services of former Minnesota federal prosecutor Joseph H. Thompson as his lawyer.

  • New Attorney Background
  • Thompson once led the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota before resigning last month along with several colleagues.
  • His departure came after pressure from the Trump administration to shift a federal investigation toward an ICE officer’s fatal shooting of activists, rather than the shooter himself.
  • Thompson handled major fraud cases that shook the state and prompted Governor Tim Walz to step down from a third term.
  • He also served as acting U.S. Attorney for several months before leaving the office shortly after the shooting of Renée Good, and just days before Lemon’s protest at Cities Church.
  • Lemon’s Current Situation
  • Lemon now runs a YouTube show. He was arrested on January 30 in Beverly Hills.
  • Authorities accuse him of leading a “takeover‑style attack” on the church, intimidating worshippers and violating both the free‑exercise of religion and the FACE Act.
  • Charges include two felony counts: conspiring to intimidate religious practice and using force or threats against First Amendment rights.

  • Case Oversight
  • The case is now overseen by prominent Washington, D.C. attorney Abbe Lowell.

  • Firm’s Response
  • Thompson’s firm has not yet commented on the new client arrangement.

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