Megyn Kelly has forcefully rejected claims that the recent federal arrest of former CNN anchor Don Lemon over his involvement in a disrupted church service represents the criminalization of journalism.
Instead, she argues the case centers on trespassing, interference with religious freedoms, and active participation in disrupting a private worship event—not protected press activities.
The incident occurred on January 18, 2026, at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, during an anti-ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) protest. Demonstrators, including those Lemon was with and filming on his YouTube livestream, interrupted an ongoing religious service. The church's pastor reportedly works with ICE in another capacity. Lemon and several others faced federal charges, including conspiracy to deprive rights and violating the FACE Act (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances, extended to places of worship), which prohibits interfering with religious exercise through force, threats, or obstruction.
1. There is no First Amd right - of protest OR of the press - to enter a house of worship and shut down a religious service. Lemon had no “right” to be there, as a journalist or protester.
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) January 30, 2026
2. Churches have statutory protection under the FACE Act that make it clear that…
Lemon, arrested late January 30 in Los Angeles while preparing to cover the Grammys, was released from custody the next day. He has maintained he was there as a journalist documenting the event and vowed he "will not be silenced," framing the charges as an attack on free press and independent media.
Kelly highlighted evidence suggesting Lemon acted more as an activist than a neutral reporter: he was present with protesters beforehand, appeared to anticipate and align with the disruption, and engaged confrontational behavior inside the church, such as lecturing congregants and the pastor.
Some press advocates have raised concerns about precedents for charging journalists covering protests, but Kelly maintains the facts here—active participation on private property during worship—remove any First Amendment shield.