Roots in a Tense Church Confrontation (Image Credits: Cdn01.justjared.com)
Los Angeles – Don Lemon recounted the sudden federal arrest that upended his night after Grammy events during a revealing appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on February 2.[1][2]
Roots in a Tense Church Confrontation
On January 18, protesters stormed Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, during Sunday services. The demonstrators chanted “ICE out” and called for justice in the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother killed by an ICE officer in Minneapolis.[3][4] They targeted Pastor David Easterwood, who also led an ICE field office.
Lemon arrived as an independent journalist hosting his YouTube show. He interviewed participants, documented the disruption on livestream, and posted videos to social media. Prosecutors later accused him of crossing into a civil rights violation by impeding worshippers’ religious freedoms.[4] A magistrate judge rejected their initial charging attempt the prior week.
Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the event as an attack on worship. Lemon’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, defended the coverage as core First Amendment work protected for three decades.[3]
Sudden Takedown After Grammy Festivities
Lemon covered pre-Grammys events for the Black Music Collective and attended an after-party. He returned to his Los Angeles hotel late Thursday, swag bag in hand, and pressed the elevator button.[1]
Suddenly, agents jostled him and slapped on handcuffs. “What are you doing here?” Lemon asked. “We came to arrest you,” they replied. He demanded identification and a warrant, which arrived via an FBI agent’s cell phone after a delay.[2] Outside waited about a dozen federal personnel, including FBI and Homeland Security agents.
His attorney had offered self-surrender earlier, but officials never responded. Lemon spent the night in holding without a phone call. A TV monitor showed CNN looping his story: “Former CNN anchor Don Lemon arrested in Los Angeles.”[1] A judge freed him Friday on his own recognizance. He plans a not-guilty plea.
Candid Exchange on Late-Night TV
Kimmel opened by asking how Lemon felt. “I’m OK. I’m not going to let them steal my joy, but this is very serious. These are federal criminal charges,” Lemon replied.[4] He stressed his journalistic role: “I’m not a protester. I went there to chronicle and document what was happening.”
The host questioned protester versus reporter rights inside the church. Lemon affirmed a distinction but limited comments due to ongoing case. Kimmel joked about the “one phone call”; Lemon confirmed denial until court approval the next day.[4]
Lemon accused authorities of drama for effect. “They want to embarrass you. They want to intimidate you. They want to instill fear. That’s why they did it that way,” he said. Kimmel deemed it a resource waste; Lemon agreed it sent a message.[1]
Defending Press Freedom Amid Backlash
Before arrest, Lemon invoked Kimmel’s own past suspension over comments on a right-wing figure. “Go ahead, make me into the new Jimmy Kimmel, if you want,” he told YouTube viewers after the judge’s ruling.[2]
- January 18: Lemon covers St. Paul church protest.
- Late January: Judge rejects initial charges.
- January 29-30: Arrested in LA hotel post-Grammys.
- January 30-31: Released without bond.
- February 2: Kimmel interview.
Outside court post-release, Lemon rallied for independent media. “There is no more important time than right now for a free and independent media that shines a light on the truth,” he declared.[2] Supporters approached him on streets, offering encouragement.
Key Takeaways
- Lemon insists his church presence was reporting, not protesting.
- Federal agents rejected self-surrender for a public hotel takedown.
- He vows to continue journalism despite “very serious” charges.
Lemon’s ordeal highlights escalating tensions between the press and federal enforcers. His resolve underscores a journalist’s duty amid controversy. What do you think about the balance between covering protests and legal boundaries? Tell us in the comments.
