Don Lemon’s Arrest Discussed on HBO’s “Real Time”

Former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene spoke out on Friday in defense of Don Lemon, who was arrested related to his reporting on protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that interrupted church services in Minnesota.

While appearing on “Real Time with Bill Maher,” Greene stated, “I don’t think that’s journalism. That’s not journalism.” This comment referred to Lemon’s actions during the protests.

On that same Friday, Lemon was charged by federal authorities with civil rights violations, including conspiracy to infringe upon civil rights and obstructing religious freedom.

Lemon had livestreamed a group of activists entering a St. Paul church on January 18 after the pastor was alleged to be working with ICE.

Greene appeared to be the only supporter of Lemon’s situation during the late-night panel. Maher remarked, “It’s no good to be arrested,” but Greene challenged this perspective, referencing federal law that protects religious freedoms in sanctuaries.

In response to Maher, Greene asserted, “He violated the FACE Act,” explaining that Lemon entered the church, disrupted worship, and made derogatory comparisons in subsequent discussions.

She insisted, “That’s not journalism. That’s what activism is.” Maher then posed the question of whether such actions justified an arrest.

Greene further claimed that Lemon participated with the activists in “harassing people” within the church, causing distress among children.

On the other hand, Joe Scarborough, another panelist, expressed that he found no fault in Lemon’s approach, describing it as “aggressive.” He emphasized the need to distinguish between aggressive questioning and outright harassment. Scarborough suggested that Lemon’s arrest may have been an effort by the Trump administration to intimidate other journalists.

Following the protest on January 19, Lemon elaborated on how he became a focal point for anti-ICE protests in Minnesota during an interview on Jennifer Welch’s podcast, “I’ve Had It.” He remarked, “The producers said, ‘Don, you’re black and gay in America, and you have a platform and you’re the biggest celebrity.'” He condemned those who labeled him, describing them as “racist, bigoted homophobes.”

Lemon, who was released without bail, is slated to appear in federal court in Minneapolis on February 9.