1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

I am writing to register formal opposition to the arrest and prosecution of journalist Don Lemon under civil rights conspiracy statutes and the FACE Act for covering a protest. This represents a dangerous expansion of federal power that collapses the distinction between journalism, protest, and criminal conduct. Using laws intended to prevent violence and intimidation to target reporters documenting dissent erodes First Amendment protections and chills democratic participation. Proximity to protest is not conspiracy. Observation is not obstruction. Reporting is not a crime. If this precedent stands, any journalist covering controversial state activity can be arrested at the government’s discretion. That is incompatible with a free society. I do not want a form response. I want to know what concrete steps you are taking to: 1. Oppose the misuse of civil rights statutes against journalists and protesters 2. Protect press freedom and lawful dissent 3. Prevent selective enforcement driven by political pressure Silence or inaction in moments like this is complicity.