A Minnesota woman says a church protest that drew national attention left her deeply shaken, and she is now taking legal action.
According to court filings obtained by TMZ, Ann Doucette claims she was attending a worship service at The Cities Church in St. Paul on Jan. 18 when a protest unfolded inside the building. Doucette alleges the demonstration disrupted the service and interfered with her ability to practice her faith.
The protest was connected to the death of Renee Good and targeted the church’s pastor, David Easterwood, who also works as a Minneapolis ICE official. Journalist Don Lemon livestreamed parts of the demonstration and later shared footage on social media.
In her lawsuit, Doucette alleges Lemon acted alongside protesters and that one individual later claimed online to have helped him with “logistics and local contacts.” She says the incident caused “severe emotional distress, fear, anxiety, and trauma,” and she is seeking an unspecified amount in damages.
The filing also claims Lemon appeared pleased by the disruption while broadcasting from the scene.
Lemon has strongly pushed back. He has said he was present in his role as a reporter and was exercising his First Amendment rights. “I will not be silenced,” he said in a previous statement.
Lemon was later arrested and charged with conspiracy and interference with religious freedom. He has pleaded not guilty.