US EditionDon Lemon Released From Custody After Arrest Over Church Protest
Don Lemon was released on a no-money bond after federal charges alleging conspiracy and disruption of worship at a Minnesota church protest, with a court date set for Feb. 9.
- On January 18, 2026, Don Lemon and seven others were charged over a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, signed by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.
- Organizers including Nekima Levy Armstrong said the action responded to the church pastor leading the St. Paul ICE field office and recent federal agents' actions earlier this month.
- The indictment alleges a takeover-style attack and describes steps to maintain operational secrecy, including a pre-op briefing and Lemon's close proximity to the pastor to intimidate him.
- Media organisations and civil rights groups warn the arrests risk chilling reporting, as a chief judge of the Minnesota Federal District Court found no evidence supporting arrests and defendants entered not guilty pleas.
- Prosecutors cite the FACE Act and the Conspiracy Against Rights law; Lemon's next court date is Feb. 9 in Minneapolis, and he was released on his own recognizance Friday.
54 Articles
54 Articles
Don Lemon released after arrest that sparks press freedom concerns
Don Lemon, a veteran national journalist who spent part of his early career in St. Louis, walked out of federal custody Friday after appearing in court in California following his arrest in Los Angeles. The arrest has drawn swift criticism from press freedom advocates and public officials, who warn it could signal a broader crackdown on journalists covering protests involving federal authorities. Speaking publicly after his release, Lemon framed…
Don Lemon Arrested in Beverly Hills Over St. Paul Church Protest
Award-winning journalist and former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested by federal agents in Beverly Hills in connection with a protest he covered at a Minnesota church, his lawyer announced Friday. Lemon was in town covering the Grammy Awards, according to a statement from his attorney, Abbe Lowell. “Don Lemon was taken into custody by federal agents last night in Los Angeles, where he was covering the Grammy Awards. Don has been a journalist for…
The Independent
The Independent (US)Don Lemon pleads not guilty to federal charges over Minnesota church protest
A magistrate judge ordered Lemon released to await trial after a night in custody following his arrest
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