Overview
- Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed federal arrests of Don Lemon, journalist Georgia Fort, and activists Trahern Jeen Crews and Jamael Lydell Lundy tied to the Jan. 18 incident.
- Authorities are pursuing counts reported to include conspiracy against rights and alleged violations of the FACE Act related to interference with religious worship.
- Lemon was taken into custody in Los Angeles while covering the Grammys, with his lawyer asserting he was reporting as a journalist and will contest the case on First Amendment grounds.
- A federal magistrate previously declined to approve complaints against Lemon and others for lack of probable cause, after which DOJ officials signaled they would continue using other charging avenues.
- An FBI affidavit describes parishioners being blocked from aisles and stairs to childcare during the protest, allegations that have intensified the debate over press freedom and protest rights.