.jpeg "Don Lemon Says Federal Arrest Was Meant to “Embarrass” Him")
Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Monday night, Lemon described a tense moment in a Los Angeles hotel elevator. He said he had just finished reporting on the Grammys when several people suddenly surrounded and shoved him.
According to Lemon, the agents did not identify themselves at first and failed to show a warrant until he demanded to see one. He also said he was never given the option to turn himself in, despite efforts by his legal team to arrange it.
“They wanted to embarrass me,” Lemon told host Jimmy Kimmel, adding that federal agents chose to make a public scene instead of handling the matter quietly.
Lemon pointed out what he called a double standard, noting that Donald Trump was allowed to self-report in 2023 when he was charged in Georgia over alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
The journalist is accused of violating the FACE Act in St. Paul, Minnesota. Prosecutors claim Lemon took part in obstructing a worship service and intimidating churchgoers, allegedly interfering with their right to practice religion.
Lemon strongly denies those claims. He says he was present only to cover an anti-ICE protest as a journalist and insists he was not involved in any illegal activity. He argues that the First Amendment protects him as a member of the press.
After his arrest, Lemon was booked, fingerprinted, and later released on his own recognizance following a federal court appearance.
In a twist, Lemon revealed that two judges and an appeals court had previously declined to press charges. However, a grand jury later decided to move forward. Lemon is now one of eight defendants indicted in the case, which also includes independent journalist Georgia Fort.
Lemon says he plans to fight the charges and maintain his innocence, calling the case an attack on press freedom rather than justice.
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