On Thursday, officials declined to press charges against Don Lemon following his coverage of an anti-ICE protest in a Minnesota church. He said he expects this to be a recurring theme for him.
A federal magistrate refused to sign off on charges urged by the Department of Justice. Many had argued that Lemon and other protestors had run afoul of the FACE Act.
The FACE Act (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act of 1994) is a U.S. federal law that makes it a crime to use force, threats, or physical obstruction to interfere with someone obtaining or providing reproductive health services or exercising religious freedom at a place of worship.
Don Lemon has continually maintained that he was present at the demonstration as a journalist and not as a protester.
During his digital video show on Thursday evening, Lemon reiterated those claims.
“I have said several times, I am not a protester — I’m a journalist,” Lemon said.
He continued by noting that he wears the title of “journalist” as a badge of honor.
“I stand proud, and I stand tall. This is not a victory lap for me because it’s not over,” Lemon added. “They’re going to try again, and they’re going to try again. And guess what? Here I am. Keep trying. That’s not going to stop me from being a journalist. You’re not going to diminish my voice.”
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