Don Lemon Speaks Out After Hearing in Los Angeles: “I Will Not Be Silent” Following DOJ Indictment

Don Lemon Released from Federal Custody Following Brief Court Hearing

Don Lemon, former CNN anchor, was released from federal custody on Friday after a brief hearing in downtown Los Angeles. His release comes after his arrest earlier this month for covering an anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protest at a church in the Minneapolis area. Lemon was granted a no-cash bond and is allowed to travel both domestically and internationally despite a recently unsealed two-count indictment.

Outside the courtroom, Lemon expressed gratitude for the support he received, stating, “I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now.” As cheers erupted from supporters, he emphasized, “In fact, there is no more important time than right now for a free and independent media that shines a light on the truth and holds those in power accountable.”

Reading from a statement before a gathering of reporters, Lemon remarked on the circumstances of his arrest, saying, “Last night, the DOJ sent a team of federal agents to arrest me in the middle of the night for something that I have been doing for the last 30 years, and that is covering the news.” He reaffirmed his commitment to journalistic integrity, citing the First Amendment as a protector of his rights and those of fellow journalists: “I stand with all of them, and I will not be silent. I look forward to my day in court.”

While Lemon did not enter a plea during the hearing, defense attorney Marilyn Bednarski indicated that Lemon intends to plead not guilty. “He’s committed to fighting this case,” Bednarski stated. Lemon’s next court appearance is scheduled for February 9, the day after the Super Bowl, and all subsequent hearings will be held in Minneapolis.

Lemon is one of five defendants charged with conspiracy against the right to religious freedom at a place of worship and for intending to intimidate and interfere with that right. The indictment alleges that Lemon played a role in “Operation Pullup,” a coordinated effort to disrupt worship services.

According to the 14-page indictment, the actions of the defendants led to the termination of worship services and caused congregants to flee out of fear for their safety. It describes a scene where panic ensued, with congregants implementing emergency plans, leaving children to wonder about the safety of their parents.

Support was evident at the hearing, where Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Lemon’s husband, Tim Malone, were present alongside a crowd that gathered outside City Hall. The indictment was made public just hours before Lemon’s court appearance, following his arrest at a Grammys event.

Lemon was in Minnesota to cover protests against ICE following the fatal shooting of demonstrator Renee Good. He had been livestreaming the protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, which is associated with an ICE official, when he was arrested. Lemon maintains that he had no prior knowledge of the protest group’s plans.

Other individuals charged alongside Lemon include journalist Georgia Fort and seven others, some of whom have also been vocal about the implications of these arrests. Fort, who was released early Friday after livestreaming her own arrest, raised critical questions about constitutional rights outside a Minnesota court, stating, “Do we have a Constitution? That is the pressing question.”

Notable figures, including Senator Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Kamala Harris, have come forward in defense of Lemon and the other defendants, condemning the arrests of journalists as an affront to democratic principles. Amnesty International has also called for their immediate release, stating, “Journalism is not a crime.”

As reactions from political figures rolled in, California Governor Gavin Newsom tweeted, “Putin would be proud,” reflecting a growing concern over the state of press freedoms in the U.S.

The indictment marks the latest effort by the Department of Justice to pursue charges against Lemon, a high-profile critic of former President Trump. Attorney General Pam Bondi acknowledged that the arrests were made “at my direction” in connection with the protests.

In closing remarks outside the courthouse, Lemon expressed his appreciation to supporters, saying, “I thank you all.”