Former CNN Anchor Don Lemon Arrested on Federal Charges Linked to Minnesota Church Protest
Don Lemon, the prominent former CNN anchor, was arrested late on Thursday on federal charges related to his involvement in a protest at a church in Minnesota earlier this month. According to his lawyer, Abbe Lowell, Lemon was taken into custody by federal agents in Los Angeles, where he had been covering the Grammy awards.
Legal Team Condemns Arrest as Attack on Press Freedom
In a strongly worded statement, Lowell asserted that Lemon's actions were protected under the First Amendment, emphasising his three-decade career in journalism. "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 said. "The First Amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable."
Lowell further criticised the Trump administration's Department of Justice, accusing it of diverting resources from investigating the deaths of two peaceful protesters in Minnesota to pursue Lemon's arrest. "This unprecedented attack on the First Amendment and transparent attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration will not stand," he added, vowing that Lemon would fight the charges vigorously in court.
Background of the Church Protest Incident
The arrest stems from a protest on 18 January, where demonstrators disrupted a church service in Minnesota. Lemon attended the event and posted video footage to his online show's YouTube channel. During an interview with Lemon, a protester described the action as a clandestine operation aimed at disrupting "business as usual" at a surprise location. The church's pastor, Jonathan Parnell, stated in an interview with Lemon that the congregation had asked the demonstrators to leave, but they refused.
Three other demonstrators have already been arrested in connection with the protest, facing charges of conspiring to interfere with the civil rights of others. The protest reportedly targeted the church because it included a member of ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
Reactions and Legal Developments
The arrest has sparked outrage among Lemon's colleagues and supporters. Jim Acosta, Lemon's former CNN colleague, posted on X, "This is outrageous and cannot stand. The First Amendment is under attack in America!" The New York Times and CBS News both reported the arrest on Friday morning, with Lemon understood to remain in custody as of that day.
In a notable legal twist, a federal magistrate judge previously declined to sign off on an arrest warrant for Lemon, a decision that reportedly angered Attorney General Pam Bondi. Harmeet Dhillon, head of the Department of Justice's civil rights division, stated in an interview, "We're going to pursue this to the ends of the Earth." Following the magistrate's rejection, Lowell urged the Department of Justice to drop the case, warning that continued efforts would be met with legal resistance.
Political Context and Criticism
Former President Donald Trump has publicly criticised Lemon, calling him a "loser, lightweight" and condemning the church protest. "I saw him the way he walked in that church it was terrible," Trump said during a White House press briefing. "I have such respect for that pastor. He was so calm, he was so nice. He was just accosted. What they did in that church was horrible."
The Guardian has contacted the Department of Justice for comment, but no response has been provided at this time. This case highlights ongoing tensions between press freedom and law enforcement in the US, particularly under the Trump administration.
