Prominent sports commentator Stephen A. Smith has launched a furious defence of journalist Don Lemon following his arrest on federal charges, stating unequivocally that anyone who supports the detention "does not support the First Amendment." The fiery criticism comes after Lemon, an independent journalist, was released without bail following a court appearance in Los Angeles on Friday.
Charges Stem from Minneapolis Church Protest Coverage
The 59-year-old Lemon faces charges of conspiracy and interfering with the First Amendment rights of worshippers related to his coverage of anti-ICE protests at a church in Minneapolis earlier this month. A grand jury in Minnesota indicted Lemon and eight other defendants following the January 18 incident at the Cities Church in St. Paul, where a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official serves as pastor.
Smith's Passionate Defence on YouTube
Addressing the situation on his YouTube channel, an animated Smith delivered a robust defence of Lemon's journalistic credentials. "Whether you like it or not, Don Lemon is a member of the press," Smith declared. "Don Lemon has been in journalism for 30 years. Don Lemon worked at CNN for 17 years."
Smith continued his impassioned argument, stating: "And just because you don't have a specific organization that you're working for, that's where the word independence comes from. It doesn't mean that your journalism credentials are stripped. Not when you've been doing it for decades like him. This is straight BS what he's going through."
Broader Press Freedom Concerns
The arrests have drawn sharp criticism from media advocates and civil rights activists, including Reverend Al Sharpton, who accused the Trump administration of taking a "sledgehammer" to "the knees of the First Amendment." In court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Robbins argued for a $100,000 bond, telling the judge that Lemon "knowingly joined a mob that stormed into a church."
Despite the prosecution's arguments, Lemon was released without having to post money and was granted permission to travel to France in June while the case remains pending. Footage from the incident shows Lemon arguing with the church pastor about the Constitution and First Amendment protections for speech, assembly, and protest.
Lemon's Defiant Response and Legal Strategy
Speaking to reporters after his court appearance, Lemon struck a confident and defiant tone, declaring: "I will not be silenced. I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now. In fact there is no more important time than right now, this very moment, for a free and independent media that shines a light on the truth and holds those in power accountable."
Defence attorney Marilyn Bednarski confirmed that Lemon plans to plead not guilty and fight the charges in Minnesota. His lawyer, Abbe Lowell, stated earlier on Friday: "Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done."
Independent Journalism Under Scrutiny
Since his departure from CNN in 2023 following a challenging period as a morning host, Lemon has joined the growing number of journalists working independently. He regularly posts content on YouTube and has not concealed his criticism of former President Donald Trump. During his live stream from the church, Lemon emphasised: "I'm not here as an activist. I'm here as a journalist," as he described the scene and interviewed both churchgoers and demonstrators.
The indictment alleges that Lemon started live-streaming and informed his audience he was with a group preparing for a "resistance" operation against federal immigration policies. Prosecutors claim he "took steps to maintain operational secrecy by reminding co-conspirators to not disclose the target of their operation" and stepped away to prevent his microphone from accidentally revealing planning discussions.
Incident Details and Legal Proceedings
According to court documents, two defendants posted their planned action on social media the day before the protest and gave instructions to others in a shopping centre parking lot the following morning. Prosecutors allege that inside the church, defendants shouted slogans, blew whistles as the pastor was about to begin the sermon, and gestured in a hostile and aggressive manner, with the pastor and congregants perceiving "threats of violence."
The indictment further states that Lemon told his livestream he saw a young man who appeared frightened, sad, and crying, acknowledging that the experience was traumatic and uncomfortable. Prosecutors claim the defendants then surrounded the pastor, with Lemon "peppering him with questions to promote the operation's message."
Smith concluded his remarks with a powerful statement about press freedom principles: "I'm a member of the press too and ain't no way in hell anyone in the field of journalism shouldn't be supporting Don Lemon today. And that's including anyone on the right. Anybody in journalism. I'm not saying it was wise, I'm not saying I would have done it. I'm not saying he should have walked into a church to do interviews and stuff like that for a couple of minutes. But it don't warrant this. You support this, you don't support the First Amendment. You don't support freedom of the press."
