(LOOTPRESS) – Former CNN anchor and journalist Don Lemon was taken into custody by federal agents in Los Angeles, according to a statement released by his attorney Friday.
Lemon was in Los Angeles covering the Grammy Awards when federal authorities detained him, the statement said. The arrest stems from a federal investigation related to Lemon’s involvement in a protest that took place inside a church in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
According to previously reported court filings and public accounts, Lemon was present during a demonstration in which protesters entered a church during a worship service to protest immigration enforcement actions.
Authorities allege Lemon entered the church alongside demonstrators and remained inside while the protest was underway. Lemon livestreamed portions of the incident and later described his actions as journalistic newsgathering.
Federal prosecutors have argued that Lemon’s conduct went beyond observation and documentation, while his legal team maintains that he was acting in his role as a journalist covering a newsworthy event.
In a statement attributed to Abbe Lowell, attorney for Don Lemon, Lowell said:
“Don Lemon was taken into custody by federal agents last night in Los Angeles, where he was covering the Grammy awards. Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done. The First Amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable. There is no more important time for people like Don to be doing this work.”
The statement criticizes the federal government’s handling of the case and its enforcement priorities, alleging a misallocation of resources.
“Instead of investigating the federal agents who killed two peaceful Minnesota protesters, the Trump Justice Department is devoting its time, attention and resources to this arrest, and that is the real indictment of wrongdoing in this case.”
Lowell further characterized the arrest as a threat to constitutional protections and said Lemon intends to contest the charges.
“This unprecedented attack on the First Amendment and transparent attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration will not stand. Don will fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court.”
Federal authorities have not publicly released full details of the charges or the legal basis for the arrest.
Earlier court proceedings related to the Minneapolis incident involved disputes over whether probable cause existed to pursue criminal charges against Lemon and others connected to the protest.
Lemon, a journalist with three decades of experience in broadcast news, has said his actions were consistent with routine reporting practices.
