Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested Thursday night in Los Angeles, according to various reports.
Lemon’s attorney, Abby Rowell, released a statement on Friday morning:
Last night, Don Lemon was taken into custody by federal agents in Los Angeles while he was covering the Grammy Awards. With 30 years as a journalist, Don’s work in Minneapolis aligns with his career. The First Amendment is meant to protect journalists as they seek the truth and hold those in power accountable.
The Trump Justice Department chose to focus its resources on this arrest rather than investigating the federal agents involved in the deaths of two peaceful protesters in Minnesota, which seems more like a significant wrongdoing in this instance. This unprecedented attack on the First Amendment, and the clear attempts to distract from pressing issues facing this administration, cannot be ignored. Don plans to fight these charges vigorously in court.
It’s unfortunate, really; I hope he can withstand these challenges without facing financial ruin. He spent the night in custody and is expected to appear in court Friday morning.
According to CBS News, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security were involved in the arrest. While the specific charges are not clear yet, it’s suggested he may face charges under the Ku Klux Klan Act or the 1871 Enforcement Act, which bars interference with civil rights, including religious practices.
Lemon was reportedly part of a mob that confronted St. Paul’s Cities Church earlier this month, which the Trump administration has labeled a violation of the FACE Act. Lemon maintains he was merely covering the event and wasn’t a participant.
WATCH: Anti-ICE protesters invade Minnesota church
The individuals involved in the riots claim they were acting against one of the church’s pastors, who they identified as an ICE agent. On the other hand, Democrats in southern Minnesota are quite upset about ICE’s actions toward serious criminals.
Last week, an appellate court blocked the Justice Department’s attempt to arrest Lemon, as they refused to sign an arrest warrant. Reports indicate the warrant stemmed from a grand jury indictment.
