Don Lemon, a former CNN host, asks a judge to dismiss criminal charges tied to his livestream of a Cities Church service protest in January. In court filings and related reporting, Lemon’s attorneys argue the case violates free speech protections and reflects vindictive or politically motivated prosecution. Lawyers contend that federal prosecutors are targeting Lemon for livestreaming events as part of his journalistic activity, and they say the charges are unprecedented. They characterize the prosecution as driven by hostility toward Lemon and by “the president’s animus,” arguing prosecutors acted improperly rather than based on ordinary enforcement standards. The legal request focuses on whether the government can proceed with charges against someone for recording or reporting from a public setting during a protest. Prosecutors have not agreed with Lemon’s assertions and are seeking to keep the case in place, according to the accounts summarized by the outlets. The judge has not ruled on the motion to dismiss.