A Temple University student’s own words are undercutting Don Lemon’s claim that he was merely reporting on a chaotic anti-ICE protest that shut down a church service in Minnesota.
Jerome Richardson, a senior political science major at Temple University, surrendered to federal authorities this week on charges tied to the Jan. 18 disruption at Cities Church in St. Paul. The incident also led to the arrest of Lemon, the former CNN anchor who has insisted his presence was protected journalism.
The Temple News reported that 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 raising money for his legal defense.
“If you riot in a place of worship, we WILL find you,” Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote Monday on X.
“We have made two more arrests in connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota: Ian Davis Austin and Jerome Deangelo Richardson,” she added.
Lemon was arrested last week over his alleged role in the protest, which involved demonstrators storming the church during a worship service while chanting anti-ICE slogans. After a court appearance in Los Angeles, Lemon was released without bail. His next court date is scheduled for Feb. 9 in Minneapolis.
BREAKING: A student just confessed he helped organize the church protest in advance with Don Lemon.
That blows up Lemon’s story that he was “just there to record.”pic.twitter.com/4vblsBCBos
— aka (@akafaceUS) February 6, 2026
Lemon has repeatedly claimed he was acting as a journalist and is shielded by the First Amendment. But Richardson’s admissions complicate that defense.
In an Instagram post, Richardson described himself as someone who “assisted Don Lemon” with “logistics and connecting him with local contacts to report on ICE-led Minnesota Operation Surge.” He added, “As a consequence of this support, I am now being targeted by the Trump administration. I am speaking out now because I anticipate being in federal custody sometime in the near future.”
Richardson also asked supporters for prayers, urged them to “not stop fighting for justice,” and solicited donations to fund his legal defense. Those charged in the case face allegations of conspiring to prevent people from exercising their right to religious freedom.
Temple University spokesperson Steve Orbanek said the school is aware of media reports related to the arrest.
“The circumstances surrounding this matter are developing,” Orbanek said. “Out of respect for the privacy of the student and the ongoing legal process, the University will not comment on the specifics.”
He added that the university values the First Amendment while encouraging students to engage “thoughtfully and lawfully” when advocating for their beliefs.
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