Don Lemon Arrested, Faces Federal Charges in Minnesota Church Protest
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested by federal agents and faces federal civil rights charges in connection with an anti-ICE protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota on . The arrest took place in Los Angeles, where Lemon was covering the upcoming Grammy Awards, according to reports.
Lemon and eight others, including independent journalist Georgia Fort, have been charged with conspiracy against rights of religious freedom and an attempt to injure while exercising religious freedom, according to a federal indictment unsealed on . The charges stem from an incident at Cities Church, where protesters disrupted a service, chanting slogans such as “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good.”
The indictment alleges that the defendants “oppressed, threatened, and intimidated the Church’s congregants and pastors” by occupying space in the church and engaging in “menacing and threatening behavior.” It further alleges that Lemon “physically obstructed” congregants attempting to leave the church. Prosecutors described the incident as a “takeover-style attack” on the church.
Speaking outside the federal courthouse in Los Angeles after his release from custody, Lemon vowed to fight the charges. “I have spent my entire career covering the news – I will not stop now,” he said. “In fact, there is no more important time than right now, this very moment, for a free and independent media that shines a light on the truth and holds those in power accountable.” He added, “I will not be silenced.”
According to reports, Lemon was taken into custody by federal agents on , despite offering to turn himself in. He stated that the Department of Justice sent a team of agents to arrest him for what he described as simply “covering the news.”
The protesters entered the church because one of the pastors is reportedly the acting field director of the St. Paul ICE field office. Lemon livestreamed the protest with Fort, and his video of the incident is referenced in the indictment.
Attorney General Pam Bondi commented on social media regarding the arrests of Lemon, Fort, and two others on .
Lemon’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, stated that Lemon “will fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court.” The case raises questions about the balance between freedom of religion and freedom of the press, according to some observers. First Amendment advocates and civil-rights organizations have reportedly condemned the charges, suggesting President Donald Trump may be attempting to chill press freedom in the United States.
Lemon, who now hosts his own show on YouTube and other platforms after leaving CNN, was released from custody after appearing in court on . He appeared wearing a tan suit, and his husband was present in the gallery.
