Don Lemon Defends Arrest After Protests at Minnesota Church

In a recent Substack post, former CNN host Don Lemon drew on biblical references and framed himself as a targeted journalist following his arrest related to an anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church last month.

Lemon was released without bail on Friday. He insists he was acting in a journalistic capacity when participating in the protests, although prosecutors argue he coordinated with activists who disrupted services at Cities Church.

He quoted John 8:32, stating, “The truth will make you free,” but added that visibility comes with risks. He expressed that his experiences have taught him that the government views his journalistic efforts as punishable rather than protected.

Lemon’s reflections compared his arrest to historical silencing of journalists and civil rights advocates, suggesting that true press freedom only exists when the powerful are not challenged. He appreciates the principle of a free press but notes that journalism often faces resistance when it disturbs the status quo or reveals inconvenient truths. He contends that the First Amendment is meant to uphold accountability rather than shield those in power.

He faces charges of conspiracy to deprive rights and violating the FACE Act due to his involvement in protests disrupting church activities in Minnesota.

Lemon gained media attention earlier this month as he livestreamed activists entering St. Paul Cities Church during services, claiming to document the event as a journalist. However, the indictment alleges he had pre-planned coordination with protest leaders.

Federal documents reveal that parishioners reported the activists blocking access within the church, which created panic among parents trying to reach their children. There were even fears among some that the protesters might be armed. Witness accounts indicate that the disruptions caused significant distress, particularly among families attending the service.

The affidavit cited incidents where individuals were verbally confronted during the protest, with some youths visibly upset. It also mentioned an injury sustained by a woman as attendees attempted to evacuate through a side exit.

Despite the serious allegations, Lemon likened his situation to the historical oppression faced by leaders like Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Dr. James Baldwin, suggesting that his arrest is yet another chapter in the ongoing fight against authority. This comparison, however, may spark debate about the nature and context of his actions.