Independent journalist Don Lemon, formerly of CNN, posted a statement on Bluesky and briefly addressed reporters after being released Friday afternoon.
Federal agents arrested Lemon in Los Angeles late Thursday night in connection with his reporting on protests at a Minnesota church. Lemon was in Los Angeles covering the Grammy Awards when he was taken into custody, according to his attorney, Abbe Lowell.
Why It Matters
The arrest comes as protests over immigration enforcement escalate nationwide. It also unfolds alongside separate federal civil-rights scrutiny tied to the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis—developments that have intensified political and legal pressure around the government’s response.
What To Know
Outside a federal building in downtown Los Angeles, Lemon said he intends to contest the charges, telling reporters, “I look forward to my day in court,” The New York Times reported.
Lemon also emphasized his commitment to continue reporting.
“I have spent my entire career covering the news,” Lemon said. “I will not stop now. 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.”
In a longer post on Bluesky, Lemon wrote: “I want to thank everyone for their support – it means the world to me.”
He later added, in part: “Last night, the DOJ sent a team of federal agents to arrest me in the middle of the night for doing what I have been doing for 30 years. The First Amendment to the US Constitution protects that work for me and countless other journalists who do what I do. I stand with all of them, and I will not be silenced. I look forward to my day in court.”
According to the Times, a federal magistrate judge in Minnesota had previously denied arrest warrants for Lemon and others. However, a federal grand jury later indicted multiple individuals—including Lemon and journalist Georgia Fort—alleging conspiracy to deprive congregants of their rights and interference with religious freedom at a house of worship.
What People Are Saying
Conservative attorney Mike Davis, on X Friday: “These charges against Don Lemon carry weight. His threats and force make this FACE Act violation a felony. He walked to the pulpit and stopped the service, admitting he targeting [sic] the church for being white and Christian. This is a slam dunk under the FACE Act. He should go to prison. He doubled down and signaled others to copy him. We need deterrence. We need punishment for Don Lemon and his co-conspirators. Thanks for having me, @bennyjohnson.”
CNN Communications, on X Friday: “The FBI’s arrest of our former CNN colleague Don Lemon raises profoundly concerning questions about press freedom and the First Amendment. The Department of Justice already failed twice to get an arrest warrant for Don and several other journalists in Minnesota, where a chief judge of the Minnesota Federal District Court found there was “no evidence” that there was any criminal behavior involved in their work. The First Amendment in the United States protects journalists who bear witness to news and events as they unfold, ensuring they can report freely in the public interest, and the DOJ’s attempts to violate those rights is unacceptable. We will be following this case closely.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi, on X Friday: “At my direction, early this morning federal agents arrested Don Lemon, Trahern Jeen Crews, Georgia Fort, and Jamael Lydell Lundy, in connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. More details soon.”
What Happens Next
Lemon’s next court appearance is scheduled for February 9. His attorney said Lemon plans to plead not guilty, NBC News reports.
