Don Lemon’s claim that he was merely reporting as a journalist took a major hit after a Temple University student admitted he helped plan the disruption of a church service that led to Lemon’s arrest.
Federal court filings and public statements now show Jerome Richardson, a senior political science major at Temple University, worked directly with Lemon ahead of the Jan. 18 protest at Cities Church in St. Paul.
Richardson surrendered to federal authorities this week on charges connected to the coordinated storming of the church during a worship service that was interrupted by anti-ICE demonstrators.
Lemon was arrested last week for his alleged role in the incident and has insisted his actions were protected under the First Amendment, claiming he was simply covering a chaotic protest as a journalist.
That defense is now undercut by Richardson’s own words, which describe direct logistical assistance to Lemon rather than passive observation.
The Temple News reported Richardson “helped Lemon with logistics and local contacts” and appeared in a video before his arrest, saying he supported the protest as a matter of conscience and faith.
Richardson turned himself in to federal authorities in Philadelphia, appeared in court, and was released pending trial, according to a GoFundMe page set up to fund his legal defense.
Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a blunt warning following the arrests, writing on X that rioting in a place of worship will not be tolerated.
“If you riot in a place of worship, we WILL find you,” Bondi wrote, confirming multiple arrests tied to what she described as a coordinated attack.
Bondi later added that authorities arrested Jerome Deangelo Richardson and Ian Davis Austin in connection with the City Church incident.
Lemon was taken into custody after demonstrators stormed the church mid-service while chanting anti-ICE slogans, disrupting congregants exercising their right to worship.
After a court appearance in Los Angeles, Lemon was released without bail and ordered to appear next on February 9 in Minneapolis.
Richardson further complicated Lemon’s defense in an Instagram post acknowledging he assisted Lemon with logistics and connections to report on ICE operations in Minnesota, per Trending Politics.
“As a consequence of this support, I am now being targeted by the Trump administration,” Richardson wrote, claiming he expected to be taken into federal custody.
He urged supporters to pray for him, continue fighting for justice, and donate money to help cover his legal costs.
Those charged in the case face allegations of conspiring to prevent individuals from exercising their right to religious freedom, a charge prosecutors say goes beyond protest.
Temple University confirmed it is aware of the arrest but declined to comment on specifics, citing the ongoing legal process and student privacy.
University spokesperson Steve Orbanek said the school values the First Amendment while encouraging students to advocate for their beliefs lawfully.
