Don Lemon's church coverage is protected by the First Amendment, Psaki says

Jen Psaki said reporting on a January 18 protest at a Saint Paul church should be protected by the First Amendment; federal authorities have arrested and indicted Don Lemon and independent journalist Georgia Fort after earlier courts declined to approve charges.

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon and independent journalist Georgia Fort were arrested after covering a protest at a Saint Paul church on January 18. The Justice Department's indictment groups journalists and protesters as participants in a coordinated entry and alleges intimidation of clergy and congregants. Jen Psaki said the reporting on the event should be protected by the First Amendment. Key developments: - The Justice Department's indictment alleges coordinated entry and intimidation during the January 18 protest at a Saint Paul church. - Don Lemon and Georgia Fort were indicted and were arrested by federal agents, after earlier efforts to press charges were not approved by lower courts. - A federal magistrate judge initially refused to sign charges against the journalists and a higher court rejected the Justice Department's attempt to force arrests; the DOJ then obtained a grand jury indictment. - Jen Psaki publicly stated that coverage of the protest should be protected by the First Amendment. Summary: The arrests and indictment have drawn attention to how federal authorities treat journalists who cover protests and to questions about press protections. Undetermined at this time.