Podcast Summary: The Benny Show

Episode: "Left-Wing BLM Mob STORMS Church, ATTACKS Christians and Pastor in Minnesota | DOJ Criminal Charges"

Date: January 19, 2026
Host: Benny Johnson
Notable Guests: Harmeet Dhillon (Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights), Rep. Mark Harris, David Medina (Oregon gubernatorial candidate)

Overview

This explosive episode centers on the recent incident in St. Paul, Minnesota, where a left-wing BLM-affiliated group, including former CNN anchor Don Lemon, stormed a Christian church, disrupted a service, and allegedly threatened parishioners and clergy. Benny Johnson unpacks the event, criticizes the corporate media's coverage, and discusses the legal and cultural ramifications with top guests, primarily focusing on religious liberty, the enforcement of the FACE Act, and broader law-and-order issues.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Attack on the Minnesota Church

• Description of Events ([00:30]–[09:04]):
  • Benny Johnson describes the scene: left-wing activists violently interrupt a church service, shout at congregants, and intimidate children, with Don Lemon present and streaming the protest.
  • Johnson accuses the protestors of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which also protects the free exercise of religion.
  • Clips are played from the protest, highlighting the aggressive rhetoric and alleged threats from protestors toward parishioners and children.
• Notable Quote:
  • Left-wing protester ([04:52]): "You can see all these pretend Christians, all these comfortable white people who are living lavish lives while children are dragged into concentration camps..."
  • Benny Johnson ([05:26]): "Touch me again and see what happens. Does that sound like a potential violation of the Face Act by force or threat?"

2. The Legal Response: DOJ Investigation

• Harmeet Dhillon Interview ([11:00]–[31:37]):
  • Dhillon, DOJ Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, confirms federal prosecutors and the FBI are already on the ground in Minnesota.
  • Outlines that the DOJ will use all available tools, including the FACE Act and potentially the Klan Act, to pursue serious charges against protest leaders and participants, including Don Lemon if warranted.
  • Emphasizes that freedom of worship is a protected federal right, and harassing people indoors at a service is a clear legal violation.
  • Discusses precedent: similar charges were used recently against pro-life protestors at abortion clinics.
  • Potential civil rights and hate crime enhancements are being explored, particularly if racial elements are determined.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Harmeet Dhillon ([11:00]): “We have sent federal prosecutors last night from my office in D.C. to Minnesota. We activated the FBI and the U.S. attorney's office as well… this has the highest attention of the attorney general.”
  • Dhillon ([17:55], RE the Klan Act): "Whenever anyone conspires to violate the protected civil rights of American citizens, the Klan Act can be used to bring a conspiracy charge."
  • Benny Johnson ([18:08]): "I mean, that's so wonderful to hear... What would happen if Alex Jones stormed a mosque?"

3. Don Lemon’s Involvement and Defense

• Broadcast Excerpts and Panel Dissection ([08:07]–[24:31]):
  • Benny plays Lemon’s live-stream in which Lemon acknowledges the trauma for attendees but rationalizes it as “what protesting is about.” ([09:04] Don Lemon)
  • Lemon’s later response: claims he was “just chronicling protests," denies foreknowledge of church targeting ([22:08]).
  • DOJ and panel reject notion that journalism shields a participant from potential legal liability if they're embedded with or encouraging criminal conduct.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Don Lemon ([09:04]): “…I imagine it’s uncomfortable and traumatic for the people here. But again… that's what protesting is about."
  • Harmeet Dhillon ([22:54]): "Journalism is not a badge or a shield that protects you from criminal consequences when you are part of a crime."

4. Community & Pastoral Response

• Pastor Jonathan Parnell Interview ([36:22]):
  • Amidst turmoil, Pastor Parnell remains calm and focused on worship, emphasizing love and the church’s mission.
  • Refuses to be drawn into confrontation but requests protestors leave.
• Notable Quote:
  • Pastor Parnell ([36:41]): “We’re here to worship Jesus because that's the hope of these cities, that's the hope of the world, is Jesus Christ... I have to take care of my church and my family. So I ask that you actually would leave this building.”

5. Wider Violence & Lawlessness in Minneapolis

• Nick Sotor Incident ([42:29]):
  • Independent journalist Nick Sotor reportedly robbed and dragged by a car while covering protest events in Minneapolis, emphasizing wider city lawlessness.

6. Law and Order Politics: Focus on North Carolina

• Interview with Rep. Mark Harris ([44:29]–[52:19]):
  • Harris discusses the risk of his state following Minnesota’s path, citing lack of police, surges in crime, and the influx of criminal aliens.
  • Emphasizes standing with law enforcement and holding state government accountable.
  • Previews forthcoming Judiciary Committee testimony with Jack Smith on alleged DOJ weaponization.
• Notable Quote:
  • Mark Harris ([44:29]): “If ever there’s a time for… conservative Christians to stand up and speak up and preserve our communities, now is the time.”

7. Spotlight on Oregon Gubernatorial Race

• Interview with David Medina ([56:33]):
  • Medina launches his campaign, emphasizing a “God movement” and a call to restore law, order, and dignity in Oregon.
  • Cites removal of inactive/fraudulent voters as an opportunity for change.
  • Promises to address homelessness, support law enforcement, and unite citizens of all backgrounds.
• Notable Quotes:
  • David Medina ([57:31]): “Not only can we win, but we can actually win in a big way… If we can just get even two thirds of those voters that sat out to vote, we could beat these guys.”
  • Medina ([65:39]): “This is about the rule of law. This is about putting Oregonians first again.”

8. Greenland and US Foreign Policy

([69:58]–[75:50]):

• Discussion about the Trump administration’s intent to acquire Greenland, presented as serious and strategic, with commentary from Stephen Miller.
• Notable Quote:
  • Stephen Miller ([74:52]): “It’s been the formal position of the US Government… that Greenland should be part of the United States.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the FACE Act and House of Worship:

  • Benny Johnson ([03:30]): “It is illegal to intimidate or threaten or force yourself into... a place of worship.”
  • Harmeet Dhillon ([13:20]): “The prior administration prosecuted people under the FACE Act for peacefully praying outside abortion clinics… that same law gives us the right... to prosecute the same kind of conduct vis-a-vis any house of worship.”

• On Journalism and Complicity:

  • Harmeet Dhillon ([22:54]): “Journalism is not a badge or a shield… when you are part of a crime.”

• On the Church Attack’s Impact:

  • Harmeet Dhillon ([27:45]): “The message from the DoJ is that the Attorney General of the United States has a zero-tolerance policy for this… We are sending reinforcements to make sure these crimes are fully prosecuted.”

• On Political Consequences:

  • Benny Johnson ([30:21]): “There has to be red lines… People need to be made examples of.”

Important Timestamps

• [00:30–09:04]: Detailed episode setup, description of the church incident, protest footage, legal framework (FACE Act).
• [11:00–31:37]: Harmeet Dhillon DOJ interview: federal response, legal tools (FACE Act, Klan Act), Don Lemon’s exposure, message to Christians.
• [36:22–37:17]: Pastor Parnell’s calm encounter with Don Lemon.
• [42:29]: Nick Sotor robbery episode – illustration of breakdown in urban law and order.
• [44:29–52:19]: Rep. Mark Harris on NC politics, policing, and DOJ oversight.
• [56:33–69:58]: David Medina’s Oregon campaign launch and wide-ranging interview.
• [74:52–75:50]: Stephen Miller explains strategic rationale behind a US move on Greenland.

Tone and Style

• The tone throughout is combative, urgent, and strongly opinionated, reflecting Benny Johnson's culture-warrior persona.
• Frequent use of rhetorical questions, hyperbolic language (“demonic,” “orcs,” “Gestapo”), and religious references.
• Guests echo the urgency and seriousness, especially around legal accountability and the defense of faith communities.

Conclusion

This episode underscores The Benny Show's framing of current events through the lens of America’s culture war—defending Christianity, law and order, and “real journalism.” It combines exclusive news, extended interviews with government officials and candidates, and direct calls to action for listeners. The episode is a hybrid of legal commentary, political analysis, faith advocacy, and activism, culminating in a strong rallying cry to “stand up and fight” for religious freedom and traditional American values.

For listeners new to the story:
This episode tells the story of a highly charged protest event, the ensuing legal and cultural backlash, and how the current administration and its allies intend to “draw a line” protecting churches and religious practice, with discussions stretching into broader questions of law enforcement, governance, and even foreign policy.

Notable Quote to Close:
Benny Johnson ([83:59]):
“The protection of the faith and the protection of Christianity and our Christian nation is foremost to this program. The whole purpose of the show is the protection of our nation for our children, to make sure that we are among what Psalms calls a righteous generation that gives an inheritance… to our children's children.”