A significant development unfolded Friday in the case stemming from the protest at a Minnesota church, with a superseding indictment now filed.
While the details of the new indictment remain sealed, reports indicate at least nine additional individuals were taken into federal custody and formally charged.
The identities of those arrested have not yet been publicly released, adding to the mystery surrounding the escalating legal proceedings.
These arrests follow the earlier detentions of prominent figures including former CNN host Don Lemon, journalist Georgia Fort, and activist Nekima Levy Armstrong, all connected to the controversial demonstration.
Those initially arrested, including Lemon, Fort, and Armstrong, have already entered pleas of not guilty to federal civil rights charges.
The original charges against at least nine people, including Lemon, centered on allegations of conspiracy to deprive rights and violations of the FACE Act – a law protecting access to places of religious worship.
The initial indictment detailed accusations against Lemon, alleging he “oppressed, threatened, and intimidated” congregants and pastors through his physical presence and behavior during the protest.
Specifically, the document claims Lemon physically obstructed individuals attempting to move within the church, disrupting the service and creating a hostile environment.
The protest itself began last month when anti-ICE demonstrators entered the St. Paul church, targeting a pastor believed to have ties to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
During a livestream of the event, Lemon declared, “This is the beginning of what’s going to happen here,” as protestors confronted the pastor and harassed those attending the service.
Lemon has formally pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him, setting the stage for a potentially contentious legal battle.
The situation remains fluid, with further updates expected as the newly arrested individuals make their initial court appearances and more information becomes available.
