Temple student who assisted Don Lemon in covering Minnesota protest faces federal charges

Jerome Richardson, a beloved Temple University senior who assisted journalist Don Lemon in covering a Minnesota anti‑ICE protest, has been arrested on federal charges. The charges stem from the Jan. 18 demonstration at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Richardson, 21, surrendered to federal authorities in Philadelphia on Monday, according to multiple reports.

Temple University Student Jerome Richardson Faces Federal Charges

Richardson is one of nine people indicted under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, a statute often used to prosecute abortion‑clinic blockades that also protects access to places of worship. Prosecutors allege the group conspired to interfere with the First Amendment rights of congregants at Cities Church.

The indictment includes two counts:

• Conspiracy against the right of religious freedom at a place of worship
• Injuring, intimidating or interfering with the exercise of religious freedom

Operation PullUp

The charges stem from a demonstration inside Cities Church, where protesters gathered during “Operation Pullup” over allegations that a pastor serves as a high‑ranking U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official.

Jerome Richardson’s Role in Assisting Don Lemon

Richardson said in a video posted across his social media pages that he was helping Lemon with logistics as the journalist prepared to livestream the protest. He described connecting Lemon with local activists and supporting his reporting on federal immigration enforcement actions involving ICE, DHS and Border Patrol.

Lemon, Georgia Fort, and two other journalists were all charged in the same indictment. Lemon said federal agents arrested him at his Los Angeles hotel last week.

Authorities arrested Fort the following morning when federal agents showed up at her Minnesota home.

Lemon and Fort live streamed the event as it unfolded. During their broadcast, both repeatedly stated they were present in their capacity as journalists.

Charging journalists under the FACE Act is virtually unheard of. Various media organizations have condemned the arrests.

Richardson Describes His Motivation and Background

In the video, Richardson identified himself as a St. Paul native, a youth leader, saxophonist and a Temple University senior preparing to graduate in May. He said he believed in documenting what he called “everyday injustices” tied to federal immigration operations.

He said he viewed his indictment as “the price of being unapologetic about humanity and love of Christ,” and questioned how a pastor allegedly could simultaneously lead a congregation and oversee ICE operations.

Supporters Cite His Activism and Faith

A GoFundMe created on his behalf describes Richardson as an activist engaged in community justice work since the murder of George Floyd.

Supporters say he has consistently advocated for civil rights, youth leadership and faith‑driven community engagement.

The fundraising page urges supporters to pray for his safety and continue advocating for justice.

As of this reporting, the fundraiser has raised $37,000.

To learn more or support, visit the official GoFundMe page.