Attorney General Pam Bondi posted a hardline video message to social media Friday morning following the arrests of independent journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort.
Earlier that day, Bondi announced the arrests in a written post, saying federal agents, acting on her direction, detained Don Lemon, Trahern Jeen Crews, Georgia Fort, and Jamael Lydell Lundy in connection with what she described as a “coordinated attack” on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. She added that more details would follow, then released a brief video statement.
“Make no mistake, under President Trump’s leadership and this administration, you have the right to worship freely and safely,” Bondi said in the recording. “And if I haven’t been clear already, if you violate that sacred right, we are coming after you.”
The White House also highlighted Lemon’s arrest, posting “When life gives you lemons…” alongside a silver chain emoji. The message included a graphic reading, “DON LEMON ARRESTED FOR INVOLVEMENT IN THE ST. PAUL CHURCH RIOTS,” placed over a photo of Lemon.
The arrests quickly drew backlash from Democratic officials, many of whom argued the move was an assault on constitutionally protected press freedoms.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) accused the administration of ignoring the Constitution while targeting journalists. “Donald Trump and Pam Bondi once again violated the Constitution,” she wrote, adding that taxpayer money was being used to arrest reporters “while protecting pedophiles and the murderers of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.”
Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) also condemned the arrests, claiming they were part of a broader pattern of escalating federal power. He cited what he described as raids tied to election offices in Georgia and federal operations that have resulted in the deaths of Americans. “Trump’s authoritarian takeover is quickening,” he wrote, urging an urgent but peaceful response.
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D-CA) office posted a warning of its own, referencing what it said was an earlier raid on a reporter’s home. “Today, they arrested journalists,” the statement read. “They are coming for you. Speak out.”
Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY) framed the arrests as part of a larger democratic crisis, calling the charges “bogus” and arguing the country is facing an unprecedented threat to the First Amendment. He predicted Lemon would ultimately prevail, but cautioned that the broader implications could be lasting.
