Former CNN anchor Don Lemon delivered a defiant statement after being released on his own recognizance without bond following his arrest for participating in a church takeover protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Lemon spoke to reporters at the Edward R. Roybal Federal Courthouse in Los Angeles, asserting that the First Amendment protects journalists’ work: “The First Amendment of the Constitution protects that work for me and for countless other journalists who do what I do. I stand with all of them and I will not be silenced.”
He thanked supporters for their backing, stating, “It truly means the world to me.” Lemon also said he had “no idea what’s going on because obviously I haven’t seen anything,” adding that he “has spent my entire career covering the news” and would “not stop now.”
Lemon emphasized his role as a journalist documenting the protest: “Last night, the DOJ sent a team of federal agents to arrest me in the middle of the night for something that I’ve been doing for the last 30 years, and that is covering the news.” He reiterated his commitment to free media: “In fact, there is no more important time than right now, for a free and independent media that shines a light on the truth and holds those in power accountable.”
The unsealed indictment, released earlier that day, described Lemon as part of a group that conducted a “coordinated takeover-style attack” at Cities Church in St. Paul, engaging in “acts of oppression, intimidation, threats, interference, and physical obstruction.” Prosecutors alleged these actions violated churchgoers’ rights to religious expression.
Lemon added: “I look forward to my day in court. Thank you all!”
Critics argue that journalists are not above the law, while supporters contend his arrest constitutes a totalitarian assault on press freedom and political opponents of the administration.
