Veteran journalist Don Lemon was taken into custody by federal agents in Los Angeles on Thursday night while covering the Grammy Awards, according to a statement released by his attorney, Abbe Lowell.
The statement, issued on behalf of Lemon, confirms that federal authorities detained him while he was in Los Angeles for work related to the Grammys.
His legal team characterizes the arrest as a direct challenge to constitutionally protected journalism and a troubling escalation against press freedoms.
What To Know
- Don Lemon was taken into custody by federal agents in Los Angeles.
- He was in the city covering the Grammy Awards.
- His attorney says the arrest is tied to Lemon’s journalism.
- Lemon plans to fight the charges in court.
According to the statement, Lemon has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years and was engaged in what his attorney describes as constitutionally protected reporting.
The legal team emphasized that Lemon’s work in Minneapolis was consistent with the journalism he has practiced throughout his career.
The statement underscores the role of the First Amendment in protecting journalists who report on matters of public concern and hold those in power accountable.
Lowell argues that this protection is especially critical in the current political climate.
Attorney Calls Don Lemon’s Arrest An “Unprecedented Attack” On The First Amendment
Lowell’s statement sharply criticizes the federal government’s actions, calling the arrest an unprecedented attack on the First Amendment.
He argues that the Justice Department’s focus on Lemon stands in contrast to what he describes as a failure to investigate federal agents involved in the deaths of two peaceful Minnesota protesters.
The statement goes further, asserting that the arrest represents a misuse of federal resources and an attempt to divert attention from broader issues facing the administration.
Lemon’s legal team frames the situation as a test case for press freedom and government accountability.
What Happened in Minnesota
On January 18, a group of anti-ICE protesters entered Cities Church during Sunday worship in St. Paul.
The demonstrators were demanding changes after repeated federal immigration enforcement actions in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area, including operations that have sparked widespread protests.
They shouted anti-ICE slogans and told congregants that one of the church’s pastors was the acting field director of the local ICE field office.
The incident heightened already tense local feelings after earlier demonstrations and clashes related to immigration enforcement and raised questions about how protests intersect with religious worship.
What Happens Next
Lemon’s attorney made it clear that he intends to challenge the charges aggressively. According to the statement, Lemon will fight the case “vigorously and thoroughly” in court.
At this time, no additional details have been released regarding the specific charges or the conditions of Lemon’s custody.
The situation is developing, and further information is expected as the legal process unfolds.
This story will be updated as more details become available.
Update: Attorney General Pam Bondi has now publicly confirmed that federal agents arrested Don Lemon, along with Trahern Jeen Crews, Georgia Fort, and Jamael Lydell Lundy, in connection with the coordinated disruption at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Bondi’s announcement came via social media this morning, where she said the arrests were made at her direction and tied to what the Justice Department is calling a “coordinated attack” on a place of worship.
Frens, drop down in the comments below to let me know your thoughts on Don Lemon’s arrest?
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This is some BS!!!! So now journalists can be arrested for doing their job? What’s next? Influencers and bloggers? I’m so pissed with our government and the people following these stupid orders. The “law” is no longer the law.