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Appeals Court Blocks Charges Against Church Disruption Activists

1/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. appeals court denied the Justice Department's bid to charge five individuals for disrupting Minnesota church service on January 18, a setback for U.S. President Donald Trump's administration.
A magistrate judge rejected arrest warrants for Don Lemon, the former CNN anchor, and others due to insufficient evidence.
Three activists face charges for intimidating parishioners.
The court described the request as unprecedented.
The department can seek grand jury approval for charges.

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Story summary

U.S. appeals court denied the Justice Department's bid to charge five individuals for disrupting Minnesota church service on January 18, a setback for U.S. President Donald Trump's administration.
A magistrate judge rejected arrest warrants for Don Lemon, the former CNN anchor, and others due to insufficient evidence.
Three activists face charges for intimidating parishioners.
The court described the request as unprecedented.
The department can seek grand jury approval for charges.