Don Lemon Released After Arrest Linked to Minneapolis Church Protest

Journalist Don Lemon has been released from custody after being criminally charged in connection with a protest at a church in Minneapolis. Lemon says the arrest will not stop him from reporting the news.

Speaking to supporters after his release, Lemon said he has worked as a reporter for 30 years and plans to continue doing his job. He insisted he was covering the protest as a journalist, not taking part in it.

Lemon was arrested Thursday night at his home in Los Angeles. Federal authorities allege he conspired with protesters to disrupt a church service during an anti-ICE protest at Cities Church in Minneapolis on January 18.

Media executive Harvey Levin criticized the arrest, saying Lemon was reporting on the protest and that charging him violates the First Amendment’s protection of press freedom.

A judge released Lemon without bail on Friday. He is allowed to remain free while his federal case continues and said he looks forward to clearing his name at trial. Lemon appeared in court earlier in the day, where the judge ruled that bail was not required.

After court, Lemon appeared before the media wearing an all-white suit, smiling and waving at supporters. He also acknowledged his husband during the appearance.

Lemon has been ordered to appear in federal court in Minnesota on Monday, February 9. His lawyer said Lemon is committed to fighting the case and does not plan to leave the country permanently. The judge has approved travel, including a planned summer trip to France, as long as it does not interfere with court dates.

The charges stem from an alleged violation of federal law involving interference with worship at Cities Church.

In a statement, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said federal agents arrested Lemon and three others in connection with what she described as a coordinated attack on the church.

Lemon faces two charges: conspiracy against the right to religious freedom and interfering with the exercise of religious freedom at a place of worship.

His attorney, Abbe Lowell, said Lemon was present only as a journalist and that the arrest distracts from the Trump administration’s investigation into the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti during encounters with federal immigration agents in Minneapolis.

Federal prosecutors initially sought to charge eight people related to the protest, including Lemon. However, a magistrate judge approved charges for only three individuals, and Lemon was not among them at that time.

Lemon was in Los Angeles covering Grammys weekend when the arrest occurred. After his release, he confirmed he still plans to attend the Grammy Awards.