Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested in Los Angeles on Friday morning, following his participation with pro-immigration demonstrators who forcibly entered a church in Minnesota earlier this month. The incident, which has drawn significant national attention, led to federal charges against the 59-year-old broadcaster.
Federal Charges and Legal Context
Lemon has been charged with conspiracy to deprive rights and with a violation of the FACE Act, which prohibits interference by force with someone's First Amendment rights. These charges stem from an event at the Cities Church in St Paul on January 18, where protesters targeted the church because one of its pastors, David Eastwood, also leads the local ICE field office.
During the protest, demonstrators were filmed screaming and harassing worshippers, sparking widespread outrage. Lemon was captured on camera smiling and filming the scene as part of his show's production.
Lemon's Defense and Constitutional Claims
In response to the allegations, Lemon has firmly denied breaking the law, asserting that his actions were protected under the First Amendment. He stated, 'There's a Constitution and a First Amendment, and freedom of speech and freedom to assemble and protest,' defending his presence at the church service to the pastor involved.
Federal officials had previously indicated their intention to charge Lemon under the FACE Act, which specifically bans interference in religious services. Additionally, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, Harmeet Dhillon, considered charges under the Ku Klux Klan Act, which prohibits threatening or intimidating individuals to prevent them from exercising their civil rights. However, a federal judge in Minneapolis had earlier blocked attempts to bring these charges against Lemon.
Recent Activities and Background
Just before his arrest on Thursday night, Lemon attended the Grammy's Recording Academy Honors awards show in Los Angeles, where he was photographed alongside rapper Busta Rhymes. This high-profile appearance contrasts sharply with his subsequent detention.
Lemon, who lives in New York with his realtor husband Tim Malone, 41, married in 2024, was fired from CNN in April 2023 after a 17-year tenure at the network. His dismissal followed controversial remarks two months prior, where he claimed women in their 40s were 'past their prime' while discussing Republican presidential hopeful Nikki Haley.
Post-CNN Career and Independent Journalism
Since leaving CNN, Lemon has established a YouTube channel and rebranded himself as an independent journalist. This arrest marks a significant development in his post-network career, potentially impacting his public image and legal standing.
The case continues to unfold, with legal experts noting the complexities of balancing protest rights with protections for religious services under federal law.
