Don Lemon, the former newscaster who has taken on an activist role, was released without bail and faced no travel restrictions. This came after prosecutors alleged that he “knowingly joined a mob to terrorize” members of a church in Minnesota.
On Friday afternoon, Lemon entered a federal courtroom in Los Angeles, dressed in the same cream suit he wore to the pre-Grammy Awards just the night before.
He blew a kiss to his partner, Tim Malone, who was seated in the audience, then took his place beside his attorney, Marilyn E. Bednarski.
Prosecutor Alexander Robbins emphasized the seriousness of the charges against Lemon, stating he “intentionally joined a mob to terrorize” those attending St. Paul’s Cities Church on January 18.
Robbins asked Judge Patricia Donahue if she could mandate that Lemon surrender his passport and refrain from contacting any victims, witnesses, or co-conspirators.
Lemon sought a $100,000 bond, but his defense considered it “unnecessary,” especially since a significant reason for the challenge was Lemon’s annual week-long boat trip in France.
Bednarski defended Lemon, asserting that he was “not a flight risk,” that he “doesn’t pose any danger,” and described him as “one of the most famous people in the world.”
While she did mention a not guilty plea at a certain point, both Lemon and his attorney formally submitted their pleas during the initial hearing.
In the end, Donahue released Lemon on his own recognizance with no pretrial supervision or constraints on international travel, foregoing bail.
Outside the courtroom, Lemon addressed a small group of supporters, asserting, “I’ve spent my entire career reporting news, and I never will,” which drew cheers from the crowd.
He elaborated, noting, “Last night, the Department of Justice sent a team of federal agents to arrest me in the middle of the night for what I have been doing for the past 30 years—covering the news.”
Lemon stressed that the First Amendment “protects my work and the work of countless other journalists” and expressed solidarity with his peers, stating, “I look forward to my day in court.”
Following his remarks, Lemon departed in a dark-colored Range Rover with his husband and defense team.
The next hearing is scheduled for February 9th in Minnesota District Court.
