Don Lemon Arrested and Released From Custody

By Vashti Smith

Courtesy: The Guardian

Former CNN reporter Don Lemon was arrested while reporting on an anti-ICE protest, which took place during a Minnesota church service and was aimed at drawing attention to immigration enforcement policies.

Lemon was arrested on Saturday, January 29th, at his Los Angeles hotel. He was arrested and charged due to his coverage of a protest against a pastor who is an alleged ICE official at the Cities Church in St. Paul. According to NBC News, Lemon felt his arrest was meant to “embarrass” him, even though he had offered to turn himself in earlier.

Don Lemon and 8 others, including journalist Georgia Fort, received charges for conspiracy against religious freedom at a place of worship and for interfering with the right to exercise religious freedom at a place of worship, according to BBC News.

After appearing in court the day after, he was released from custody. As he left the courthouse, he spoke to the crowd.

“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. Again, I will not stop now. I will. not stop ever,” said Lemon, according to an article by Legal Affairs and Trials with Meghann Cuniff.

“The First Amendment of the Constitution protects that work for me and for countless of otherjournalists who do what I do. I stand with all of them, and I will not be silenced. I look forward to my day in court. Thank you. All of you,” he continued.

Some Hampton University students have negative feelings about Don Lemon’s arrest.

“I have a lot of friends who are journalism majors. Stories like Don Lemon scare me because it is unfair that people can be arrested for doing their job,” said Taylor Scott, a sophomore biology major.

Lemon continues to defend his innocence, and protests are continuing in Minnesota.