Podcast Summary: "Pastors, Protesters & Pending Perp Walks" — The Rob Carson Show
Date: January 19, 2026
Host: Rob Carson (with Doug Burns)
Podcast: The Rob Carson Show, Newsmax Radio
Episode Overview
This episode centers on a recent high-profile incident where activists, allegedly led by Don Lemon, disrupted a worship service at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota, to protest against ICE agents and support Renee Good, a woman killed in an ICE-related incident. Carson and guest Doug Burns dive into the constitutional, legal, and cultural implications of this event, drawing parallels with past civil rights abuses and fiercely debating the boundaries of protest versus protected religious practice.
The episode is heavy on analysis, legal commentary, and Rob Carson’s signature blend of humor and political critique, interspersed with actual audio clips from involved figures and news coverage.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. The Church Protest and Immediate Reactions
(00:24 — 02:28)
- Carson and Burns react with outrage at activists invading a church during worship.
- Doug Burns: "It's shameful to interrupt a public gathering of Christians in worship." (00:28)
- Carson likens the event to KKK tactics, suggesting a historical echo of religious persecution linked to political motives.
- Don Lemon is accused of actively endorsing and participating in the protest, rather than objectively reporting.
Notable Quote
- Rob Carson: "This is the kind of thing that the KKK did in the Jim Crow South... And here they did it in Minnesota, and it has got pastors around the country really hacked off." (00:54)
2. Freedom of Religion vs. Freedom to Protest
(02:29 — 04:35)
- The conversation moves into First Amendment territory: balancing freedom of religion with freedom to assemble/protest.
- Burns and Carson argue that the activists’ actions cross a line by disrupting religious practice rather than protesting outside.
Notable Quote
- Doug Burns: "In this case, clearly the freedom of religion, having a sanctuary where you can worship, is not usurped by someone coming in and screaming and disrupting that service." (23:07)
3. Don Lemon’s Role & Media Coverage
(03:56 — 09:49, 14:41 — 15:08)
- Carson plays audio clips allegedly of Don Lemon both before and after the event, presenting Lemon as first endorsing the protest and then denying involvement.
- Rob Carson: "Don Lemon wasn't being a journalist. He was encouraging it." (12:08)
- Discussion of media framing—Carson and Burns claim mainstream coverage downplays or misrepresents the incident.
- Carson references the FACE Act (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act) and calls for DOJ investigations.
Notable Quote
- Rob Carson: “If you remember what the Civil Rights movement was about... the KKK stormed churches and burned them down... They were Democrats, by the way.” (04:18)
4. Legal Fallout and Potential Charges
(09:49 — 11:09, 21:28 — 24:05, 27:51 — 28:10)
- Harmeet Dhillon (civil rights attorney, paraphrased and quoted) outlines possible federal charges against the protesters.
- Use of FACE Act and Klan Act as legal tools—usually applied for abortion clinic protests—may be considered here.
- Doug Burns elaborates on conspiracy law and possible criminal exposure for the protesters and supportive politicians.
Notable Quotes
- Harmeet Dhillon (via Carson): “The Klan Act can be used to bring a conspiracy charge... a number of tools available to us.” (09:49)
- Doug Burns: “Definitely criminal exposure for that type of conduct.” (22:19)
5. Politicians, Law Enforcement, and Insurrection Act
(14:03 — 18:48, 26:10 — 27:51)
- Discussion of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry’s public statements resisting federal immigration enforcement.
- Potential DOJ investigation into whether these officials have impeded justice.
- Debate: Could Trump send federal troops? Is the Insurrection Act applicable?
- Doug Burns: “Trump technically does have the authority... I don't think he will in this instance, though.” (26:39)
Notable Exchanges
- Jacob Fry, as quoted: “The second these ICE agents leave the city, you’re gonna have calm in Minneapolis...” (18:48)
- Doug Burns: “…engaging in the type of rhetoric that they've been engaging in, they are getting perilously close to that right side of the continuum... they should be very careful.” (28:10)
6. Broader Political and Cultural Context
(18:48 — 20:59, 35:47 — 37:12)
- Carson rails against perceived double standards—Democrats vs. Republicans—citing the 2020 riots and responses to federal subpoenas.
- Speculation about grand conspiracy charges and the possibility of a two-tier justice system.
- Carson predicts political repercussions and frames the situation as symptomatic of deeper social divides.
Notable Quote
- Rob Carson: “If it weren't for double standards, Democrats would have none at all.” (35:25)
- Rob Carson: “The left side stuff is not resonating with people nearly as much as they may think.” (36:42)
Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes With Timestamps
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote or Event | |-----------|---------|----------------| | 00:28 | Doug Burns | "It's shameful to interrupt a public gathering of Christians in worship." | | 00:54 | Rob Carson | “This is the kind of thing that the KKK did in the Jim Crow South... and here they did it in Minnesota.” | | 05:34 | Doug Burns | "You are in a bleep load of trouble... What you've done there is inexcusable. You do not do that in a church." | | 09:00 | Rob Carson | "That is complete BS. First of all, I had no idea who the organization was until I arrived this morning." (playing Lemon's post-protest denial) | | 11:09 | Doug Burns | "I've been talking about giving the children a spanking for years now, since 2020. And now it has to happen." | | 23:07 | Doug Burns | "In this case, clearly the freedom of religion, having a sanctuary where you can worship, is not usurped by someone coming in and screaming and disrupting that service." | | 24:24 | Rob Carson | "Local cities are telling business owners, if ICE comes on to this parking lot... call 911." (quoting Angie Craig) | | 26:39 | Doug Burns | "Trump technically does have the authority to do it. I don't think he will in this instance..." | | 35:25 | Rob Carson | "If it weren't for double standards, Democrats would have none at all.” | | 36:42 | Rob Carson | “…the left side stuff is not resonating with people nearly as much as they may think." |
Important Segment Timestamps
- Discussion of Church Protest Incident: 00:24 — 05:56
- Don Lemon’s Role and Audio Clips: 03:56 — 09:49
- Legal Analysis of Protest and Charges: 09:49 — 11:09; 21:28 — 24:05
- Politicians and Insurrection Act Debate: 14:03 — 18:48; 26:10 — 27:51
- Broader Political/Cultural Commentary: 18:48 — 20:59; 35:47 — 37:12
Conclusion
This episode of The Rob Carson Show delivers a charged reaction to current culture-war flashpoints, specifically church protests around immigration issues and the apparent blurring of lines between activism and protected religious space. Carson and Burns make strong legal and moral condemnations of the activists and politicians involved, framing the controversy as emblematic of wider issues such as selective law enforcement, media bias, and American political polarization.
Anyone seeking insights into the right-of-center view of these events will find this episode a comprehensive and emotional rundown, studded with pointed legal analysis, sharp-edged humor, and soundbites from both allies and adversaries.
For listeners seeking discussion on the church protest controversy, First Amendment rights, and the broader debate on protest tactics and government response, this episode is a vivid and sharply opinionated entry point.