Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was taken into federal custody Thursday night in Los Angeles in connection with a protest incident that occurred earlier this month at a church in Minnesota, according to his attorney. Lemon was arrested while in California covering the Grammy Awards, attorney Abbe Lowell said, and the case relates to his presence during an anti–Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) demonstration at Cities Church in St. Paul.
[read more]
Lowell said Lemon was acting in his capacity as a journalist and argued that his actions were protected under the First Amendment. He emphasized Lemon’s decades-long career in media and stated that documenting protests and public events falls within the traditional role of journalism. Lowell added that Lemon intends to challenge the charges in court.
The protest at the center of the case involved demonstrators who entered Cities Church during a Sunday worship service to oppose the church’s pastor, who they alleged had cooperated with federal immigration authorities. Lemon livestreamed portions of the event and commented on the protest as it unfolded, describing it as an example of political expression and civic engagement.
A federal magistrate judge had previously declined an initial request by the Justice Department to pursue charges against Lemon related to the incident. However, federal officials later continued reviewing the matter, leading to his arrest this week. One of the protest organizers, activist Nekima Levy Armstrong, was also arrested in connection with the disruption at the church.
Attorney General Pam Bondi addressed the situation publicly, stating that while peaceful protest is protected, disruptions targeting places of worship are taken seriously by federal authorities. Justice Department officials have emphasized that journalistic activity does not exempt individuals from legal responsibility if laws are violated.
Lemon has remained outspoken following the incident, saying he plans to continue his work and defend himself against the charges. The case remains under investigation, and no final determinations have been made regarding criminal liability.[/read]