Mayor Bass Responds to Journalist Don Lemon’s Arrest in LA with Surprise
Former CNN Anchor Don Lemon Arrested Amid Controversial Protest in Minnesota
Los Angeles—Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested by federal authorities late Thursday night in connection with a protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, earlier this month. The incident is part of ongoing tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement operations in the region.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her shock over Lemon’s arrest, labeling it "alarming." She stated, “Don Lemon, an internationally known and renowned journalist and friend, was arrested last night by federal agents and is now in custody in Los Angeles—simply for doing his job and following a protest into a church in Minneapolis while reporting the story.” Lemon was detained along with three other journalists: Trahern Jeen Crews, Georgia Fort, and Jamael Lydell Lundy, as confirmed by Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Lemon’s arrest follows a protest aimed at raising awareness about ongoing federal immigration enforcement that has garnered significant attention in Minnesota. Mayor Bass highlighted the implications of the arrest, particularly noting Lemon’s critical stance toward former President Trump. “The arrest of journalists for going into a church in the course of reporting is shocking enough, but what’s even more alarming is that it’s no secret that Don Lemon is a Trump critic,” she said. “First, Trump’s agents shoot and kill people exercising their First Amendment rights, and now we’re arresting journalists going into a church. It’s an egregious assault on constitutionally protected First Amendment rights.”
Authorities reported that Lemon was apprehended in Beverly Hills around midnight. His attorney indicated that he was in Los Angeles for coverage of the Grammy Awards at the time.
California Governor Gavin Newsom addressed the situation on social media, expressing concern over the arrest in the context of broader attacks on press freedoms. He remarked, "They raided a reporter’s home earlier this month. Today, they arrested journalists. They are coming for you. Speak out."
Attorney Abbe Lowell criticized the federal government’s focus on Lemon’s arrest rather than investigating the September shooting of two unarmed protesters in Minneapolis. "This unprecedented attack on the First Amendment and transparent attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration will not stand,” he said. "Don will fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court."
The Department of Homeland Security announced that Lemon is facing charges including conspiracy to deprive rights and violation of the FACE Act, which prohibits interference with First Amendment rights. The Department of Justice had previously indicated plans to pursue charges against Lemon for his involvement in the protest, which disrupted a service at the church on January 18.
In the days following the protest, three individuals were also arrested in connection with the disruption, which stemmed from concerns over the pastor’s alleged ties to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The protests coincided with a surge in federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, where approximately 3,000 agents were deployed over the past two months, leading to tragic confrontations resulting in fatalities.
As the situation unfolds, the actions of the Trump administration and the implications for press freedom and First Amendment rights remain at the forefront of national discourse.
