TV host and former CNN staffer Don Lemon has been charged with federal civil rights crimes after reporting on an anti-ICE church protest.
On January 18, the journalist covered an anti-ICE protest in Minnesota which disrupted a church service. For his presence, which he live-streamed on YouTube, Lemon was later arrested in Los Angeles. Another independent journalist and two protest participants were arrested in Minnesota.
Lemon, now an independent journalist, has insisted he was reporting on the demonstration and not a part of it.
The ABC reported that Lemon stated after the first court hearing of his charges: “I will not be silenced. I look forward to my day in court.”
He added, “I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now.”
“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.”
Why was Don Lemon arrested?
A grand jury in Minnesota indicted Lemon on charges of conspiracy and interfering with the First Amendment rights of worshippers at the Cities Church in St. Paul.
Assistant US attorney Alexander Robbins argued for a $100,000 bond, telling the judge that Lemon “knowingly joined a mob that stormed into a church.”
However, the bond wasn’t demanded and Lemon is allowed to travel to France in June while the case is pending.
Attorney-General Pam Bondi declared that she ordered the arrests on social media.
“Make no mistake. Under President Trump’s leadership and this administration, you have the right to worship freely and safely,” Bondi said in a video on X.
“And if I haven’t been clear already, if you violate that sacred right, we are coming after you.”
Backlash to Don Lemon’s arrest
There has been significant backlash to Lemon’s arrest, with people protesting that the charges are in breach of freedom of press principles.
Video of actor Jane Fonda decrying the incident has also gone viral. She explains that along with her husband, CNN boss Ted Turner, she unequivocally supports Lemon.
“They arrested the wrong Don,” she declares. “We have to fight to protect our rights.”
This weekend, Lemon was welcomed with a standing ovation at Clive Davis‘ annual pre-Grammy Awards party at the Beverly Hilton Hotel Saturday, TMZ reports.
Lemon posted a video of the rousing reception, captioning it, “Thank you, Clive Davis, for having us and for such an extraordinary welcome. Feeling deeply supported right now!”
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