Don Lemon hires former federal prosecutor who resigned over handling of fatal ICE shooting probe

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon is now facing legal challenges related to his coverage of a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul last month, and has retained legal counsel with deep ties to the very office now prosecuting him. Court records filed Tuesday reveal Lemon has hired Joseph H. Thompson, a prominent former Minnesota federal prosecutor.

A Prosecutor Turns Advocate

The situation presents a unique dynamic: Thompson is now working against the US Attorney’s Office he effectively led until mid-January. He served as the First Assistant US Attorney for 17 years, and also held the position of acting US Attorney from June to October.

Did You Know? Joseph H. Thompson previously led high-profile cases involving multi-billion dollar fraud scandals in Minnesota, contributing to political consequences that led Governor Tim Walz to withdraw his bid for a third term.

Thompson’s departure from the Minnesota US Attorney’s office last month was one of several. At least five other prosecutors also resigned around the same time. These departures reportedly followed pressure from the Trump administration to shift the focus of a federal probe into the ICE shooting of Renée Good.

The Context of the Protests and Arrest

Lemon, who now hosts a show on YouTube, was arrested on January 30 in Beverly Hills. The arrest stemmed from his involvement in livestreaming an anti-ICE protest on January 18 that interrupted a church service at Cities Church. Federal prosecutors allege Lemon participated in a “takeover-style attack” and intimidated congregants.

He has been charged with two felonies: conspiring to intimidate or violate the free exercise of religion, and violating the FACE Act, which prohibits the use of force or threats to interfere with someone’s First Amendment right to practice religion. Lemon’s legal team also includes prominent Washington DC attorney Abbe Lowell.

Expert Insight: The involvement of a former high-ranking prosecutor like Joseph H. Thompson signals a robust defense strategy. His intimate knowledge of the US Attorney’s Office’s procedures and priorities could prove invaluable in navigating the legal complexities of this case.

Thompson and the other departing prosecutors left the office roughly a week after the death of Renée Good, and just days before Lemon and fellow independent journalist Georgia Fort entered Cities Church to cover the protest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What charges does Don Lemon face?

Don Lemon faces two felony charges: conspiring to intimidate or violate the free exercise of religion, and violating the FACE Act.

Who is representing Don Lemon?

Don Lemon is being represented by Joseph H. Thompson, a former Minnesota federal prosecutor, and Washington DC attorney Abbe Lowell.

Why did several prosecutors leave the Minnesota US Attorney’s office?

At least five prosecutors, including Joseph H. Thompson, resigned after pressure from the Trump administration to focus a federal probe on the actions of individuals connected to ICE protests following the shooting of Renée Good.

As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how Thompson’s prior role within the US Attorney’s Office will influence the case, and what strategies both the prosecution and defense will employ moving forward.