Don Lemonthe journalist and former CNN anchor, was arrested by federal brokers on Thursday, January 29. The 59-year-old has been an energetic supporter of anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement protests this month as tensions got here to a head with the deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti. Because the information of Lemon’s arrest broke early on January 30, many are questioning why he was taken into custody within the first place.
His lawyer, Abbe Lowellconfirmed his arrest in an announcement shared through Instagram. It learn, “Don Lemon was taken into custody by federal brokers final evening in Los Angeles, the place he was masking the Grammy awards. Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no totally different than what he has all the time achieved. The First Modification exists to guard journalists whose function it’s to shine mild on the reality and maintain these in energy accountable.”
Lemon has since been launched and spoke to the general public afterward. Beneath, discover out all the pieces we all know thus far about Lemon’s arrest.
When Was Don Lemon Taken into Custody?
In accordance with his lawyer, Lowell, Lemon was taken into custody by federal brokers the night of January 29 in L.A.
Why Was Don Lemon Arrested by Federal Brokers?
In accordance with a number of retailersLemon was arrested by the feds in reference to an incident earlier this month through which anti-ICE protesters disrupted a church service in Minnesota.
‘As a substitute of investigating the federal brokers who killed two peaceable Minnesota protesters, the Trump Justice Division is devoting its time, consideration and sources to this arrest, and that’s the actual indictment of wrongdoing on this case,” Lowell added in his assertion about his consumer’s arrest. “This unprecedented assault on the First Modification and clear try and distract consideration from the numerous crises dealing with this administration is not going to stand. Don will battle these fees vigorously and completely in court docket.”
At my route, early this morning federal brokers arrested Don Lemon, Trahern Jeen Crews, Georgia Fort, and Jamael Lydell Lundy, in reference to the coordinated assault on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Extra particulars quickly.
— Legal professional Normal Pamela Bondi (@Agpambondi) January 30, 2026
U.S. Legal professional Normal Pam Bondi tweeted on January 30 that Lemon, along with a number of different folks, was arrested “at (her) route” in “reference to the coordinated assault on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.”
In accordance with an indictment that was unsealed on January 30, Lemon and eight different folks had been accused of conspiring to deprive congregants at a church of their civil rights along with violating the Freedom of Entry to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, per Politico. The regulation prohibits the intimidation or interference of individuals exercising their spiritual freedom rights at a spot of worship.
Is Don Lemon in Jail?
No, Lemon is not in police custody. He appeared in court docket on January 30 and vowed to battle the costs towards him.
“I’ve spent my complete profession masking the information,” he informed a crowd of reporters outdoors of the Edward R. Roybal Federal Constructing and United States Courthouse. “I can’t cease now. In reality, there isn’t a extra vital time than proper now, this very second, for a free and unbiased media.”