A Temple University student has blown the whistle to federal authorities and refuted former CNN anchor Don Lemon’s claim that he was acting solely as a journalist during an anti-ICE protest that disrupted a church service in Minnesota.
Jerome Richardson, a senior political science major at Temple University, admitted that he helped Lemon plan the church storming over several days leading up to the incident.
Richardson surrendered to federal authorities this week in connection with the January 18 incident at Cities Church in St. Paul.
The protest led to multiple arrests, including Lemon.
Lemon, who appeared to be leading the events according to video footage, has maintained that his presence at the scene was protected under the First Amendment.
According to The Temple News, 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.
He appeared in court and was released pending trial, according to a GoFundMe page created to raise money for his legal defense.
WATCH:
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced additional arrests connected to the incident, writing Monday on X:
“If you riot in a place of worship, we WILL find you.”
She added:
“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.”
Lemon was arrested last week over his alleged role in the disruption, during which demonstrators entered 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.
The former anchor has repeatedly argued he was present only in a journalistic capacity.
Richardson’s own description of his involvement, however, has drawn attention.
In an Instagram post, Richardson said he “assisted Don Lemon” with “logistics and connecting him with local contacts to report on ICE-led Minnesota Operation Surge.”
He continued:
“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, encouraged them to “not stop fighting for justice,” and requested donations to help cover legal expenses.
Those charged in the case face allegations of conspiring to prevent individuals from exercising their right to religious freedom.
Temple University spokesperson Steve Orbanek confirmed the school is aware of reports regarding Richardson’s 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 supports First Amendment rights while encouraging students to engage “thoughtfully and lawfully” when advocating for their beliefs.
READ MORE – Don Lemon Claims He Was Arrested Because Trump Wants to ‘Embarrass’ Him
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