Don Lemon Quotes Bible Post Arrest
Former CNN host Don Lemon shared a post on Substack, quoting the Bible and portraying himself as a journalist facing persecution. This came after his arrest last month on federal charges tied to an anti-ICE protest at a church in Minnesota.
Lemon, released without bail on Friday, asserted he was acting as a journalist. However, prosecutors allege he was involved with activists who interrupted church services at Cities Church.
In his post, he quoted John 8:32, stating, “The truth will make you free,” but added a caveat that truth doesn’t shield from consequences. He noted he learned this “from experience, not theology,” and criticized the government for perceiving his journalistic efforts as punishable speech.
Lemon described his arrest as reminiscent of historical attempts to silence journalists and civil rights activists. He expressed that press freedom only exists when challenges to authority are avoided. He claimed he values a free press, but it seems to be acceptable only when it doesn’t disturb the status quo or reveal uncomfortable truths. He emphasized that the First Amendment should promote accountability, not convenience.
His charges include conspiracy to deprive rights and violating the FACE Act due to his involvement in protests that disrupted services in Minnesota. Earlier this month, Lemon gained attention for livestreaming activists entering St. Paul Cities Church during services. While he claimed to be there as a journalist, the indictment states he coordinated with protest organizers beforehand.
An affidavit states that churchgoers reported disruptions, with protesters blocking exits and shouting threats, creating chaos and distress. One parishioner recounted hearing fearful shouts, while another mentioned a woman was injured during the chaos as worshipers fled.
Some individuals voiced that the instigators threatened them in aggressive manners, even confronting children, which understandably led to tears. The affidavit narrated how a video showed the church’s pastor, visibly distressed, asking activists to leave for the safety of his congregation.
Despite the serious allegations, Lemon compared his situation to that of civil rights leaders like Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., asserting they faced similar repercussions for challenging authoritative figures.
