Trump Attorney General Orders Arrest of Ex-CNN Anchor During Protests
Don Lemon arrested as protests loom nationwide, raising free speech concerns over journalism, worship disruption claims, and Trump immigration crackdown.
Ex-CNN Anchor – (Web Desk) – Former CNN anchor Don Lemon has been arrested, a move confirmed by the White House on Friday. The arrest comes just as nationwide protests are expected against President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, with organizers urging people to boycott schools, workplaces, and shopping in many areas.
Earlier this month, Lemon live-streamed a protest in St. Paul, Minnesota, where activists disrupted a church service to oppose the administration’s immigration policies. A Justice Department official said Lemon has been charged with conspiring to violate civil rights and breaching the FACE Act by allegedly blocking access to a place of worship. He was taken into custody in Los Angeles by FBI and Homeland Security agents.
Lemon’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, described the arrest as an “unprecedented attack on the First Amendment.” Lemon has said he was present as an independent journalist, was alerted about the protest beforehand, and did not know it would interrupt the church service.
“Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done,” Mr Lowell said in a statement.
“The First Amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable.”
Mr Lowell added that “Don will fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court”.
In the live stream, Mr Lemon can be seen arguing with a parishioner about immigration enforcement.
Trump administration officials quickly condemned the demonstration and accused protesters of intimidating Christian worshippers.
Federal agents arrested three other people and charged them with violating the FACE Act, a 1994 law that prevents obstructing abortion clinics and places of worship.
A US judge had earlier this month declined to approve Mr Lemon’s arrest, citing a lack of evidence.
The Justice Department did not immediately respond to Reuter’s requests for comment.
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Mr Lemon spent 17 years at CNN, becoming one of its most recognisable personalities.
CNN fired him in 2023 after he made on-air comments about women and then-Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley that were widely perceived as sexist. Mr Lemon later apologised.
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