James Fishback, a Republican candidate in Florida’s gubernatorial race, drew attention Friday after posting about the recent arrest of former CNN anchor Don Lemon. In his post, Fishback claimed Lemon was “lucky” he was not “getting hanged in the public square,” tying the remark to allegations stemming from a protest at a church in Minnesota.
Lemon, who departed CNN in 2023, pleaded not guilty Friday to federal charges connected to his reporting on a January 18 protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. The demonstration took place amid backlash to the Trump administration’s deployment of immigration agents to major Minnesota cities. Lemon was arrested Thursday night in Los Angeles by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations, according to CBS News.
At his court appearance Friday, a magistrate judge ordered Lemon released while the case proceeds. His attorney, Marilyn Bednarski, entered the not guilty plea on his behalf. Speaking briefly to reporters, Lemon said, “I will not be silenced. I look forward to my day in court.”
According to the indictment, Lemon is charged with conspiring to deprive others of civil rights and with violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, a law that prohibits obstructing access to houses of worship and abortion clinics. Six other people who were at the protest face the same charges. U.S. Magistrate Judge Dulce Foster also ordered the release of independent journalist Georgia Fort, who is charged in the same case.
Fishback expanded on his comments during a Friday broadcast of Jenna Ellis in the Morning on American Family Radio, describing the church incident in stark terms and arguing that earlier generations would have demanded extreme punishment. “Don Lemon should be lucky that he’s not getting executed in the public square,” Fishback said, referring to what he characterized as “violence” and “aggression” during the protest.
He continued by praising the Trump administration and the Justice Department, saying he wants the case pursued through trial: “It’s a good day for law and order in America… I’m proud of what President Trump and the DOJ are doing. And let’s see that justice is served in this case all the way through.”
Fishback has recently increased his media profile as his campaign ramps up. He appeared on Tucker Carlson Tonight in January to discuss issues including free speech, state politics, and international policy. His campaign has also said he is scheduled to appear on Piers Morgan on Monday.
