Former CNN Host Detained by Federal Agents in Los Angeles
Don Lemon, the prominent television journalist, was taken into custody by federal agents on Thursday night in Los Angeles, where he had been covering the Grammy Awards. The arrest follows his reporting on an anti-ICE protest that took place last week at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Legal Battle Over First Amendment Rights
Lemon's attorney, Abbe Lowell, issued a strong statement early this morning, condemning the arrest as an attack on press freedom. 'Don Lemon was taken into custody by federal agents last night in Los Angeles, where he was covering the Grammy Awards,' Lowell said. 'Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done.'
Lowell emphasised that the First Amendment exists to protect journalists who expose truth and hold power accountable. He accused the Trump Justice Department of focusing on this case instead of investigating federal agents involved in the deaths of two peaceful protesters in Minnesota. 'This unprecedented attack on the First Amendment and transparent attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration will not stand,' Lowell added.
Charges and Protest Details
The 59-year-old journalist faces serious charges, including conspiracy to deprive rights and a violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. This law criminalises actions intended to interfere with access to reproductive health services or religious worship. Lemon was filming protesters at the church service, where demonstrators had gathered because the pastor, David Eastwood, allegedly works for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
During the incident, Lemon argued with a pastor, asserting his right to report under the First Amendment. 'There's a Constitution and a First Amendment, and freedom of speech and freedom to assemble and protest,' Lemon was heard saying. Hours before his arrest, he was photographed with rapper Busta Rhymes ahead of the Grammys weekend.
Background and Previous Legal Proceedings
Initially, the Trump administration sought to charge Lemon and seven others over the protest, but a magistrate judge rejected these charges. Evidence was only approved against three people, who were subsequently detained. Lemon, who worked as a CNN host from 2014 to 2023, now operates as an independent journalist, sharing content on his YouTube channel after being fired from CNN after 17 years.
At the time of his dismissal, Lemon expressed shock on social media, learning via his agent that he was being let go due to accusations of misogyny and misbehaviour. CNN denied failing to inform him in person, stating they had 'parted ways' with their morning show host and wished him well.
Lowell concluded that Lemon 'will fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court,' setting the stage for a significant legal battle over journalistic freedoms and government accountability.
