Who Is Don Lemon? Former CNN anchor arrested after Minnesota church protest

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon has reportedly been arrested on charges connected to an anti-ICE protest that happened in a Minnesota church on January 18, according to The New York Times and CBS News. Last week, a federal magistrate judge had dismissed a proposed criminal allegation from the Department of Justice linked to Lemon’s part in the protest.

Livestream Followed Protesters Inside the Church

Lemon was one of several reporters present at the demonstration at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Lemon who now hosts a youtube channel went on livestream outside the church before following protesters as they entered. During the protest, participants alleged that a church official also worked at a local ICE office. He spoke with congregation members, protestors, and one of the church's pastors, documenting the situations as they unfolded.

After the protest, Lemon became the target of conservative figures and politicians, several of whom demanded his arrest based on what they observed from the livestream. Other protestors involved in it were arrested last week, though a magistrate judge primarily declined to approve the offences against Lemon.

Abbe Lowell Highlights Lemon’s Decades in Journalism

“Don Lemon was taken into custody by federal agents last night in Los Angeles, where he was covering the Grammy awards,” according to a statement attributed to Lemon’s attorney, Abbe Lowell.

Lowell defended Lemon’s reporting, highlighting his long 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. The First Amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable. There is no more important time for people like Don to be doing this work.”

Lemon Maintains Journalistic Role

In interviews following the protest, Lemon maintained that he was covering the occurrence as a journalist, engaging with anyone willing to communicate with him. His lawyer criticized the Justice Department’s focus. “Instead of investigating the federal agents who killed two peaceful Minnesota protesters, the Trump Justice Department is devoting its time, attention and resources to this arrest, and that is the real indictment of wrongdoing in this case,” Lowell stated.

“This unprecedented attack on the First Amendment and transparent attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration will not stand. Don will fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court.”

FAQs:

Q1. Why was Don Lemon arrested?
He was arrested in association with a protest that interrupted a church service in Minnesota. Officials are reviewing whether his actions violated federal law.

Q2. Where did the protest take place?
The demonstration happened inside Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. It occured during a Sunday worship service.