US Journalist Don Lemon Released After Arrest by Federal Authorities Over Coverage of Protest at Minnesota Church Service
In a significant development, former CNN anchor Don Lemon was released from custody on Friday after being charged with violating the freedom of religion of worshippers at a Minnesota church service where he was covering a protest earlier this month. The arrest has sparked widespread condemnation from the media and human rights communities.
Lemon, 59, appeared outside a downtown federal courthouse several minutes after his release, stating that prosecution will not stop him from doing his job as a journalist. "The First Amendment of the US Constitution protects my work for me and countless other journalists," he said firmly. "I will not be silenced."
He was released on a personal recognizance bond following an indictment by the Trump administration, which charges Lemon with conspiracy against the rights of religious freedom at a place of worship and injuring, intimidating, and interfering with the exercise of right to religious freedom at a place of worship.
Lemon's case comes as part of the federal government's immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, resulting in two US citizens being shot dead. Demonstrators gathered outside the church, protesting that its pastor works for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The indictment against Lemon cites the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which prohibits force or intimidation to access reproductive services but also covers houses of worship. A Justice Department official admitted earlier this month that the use of this statute to prosecute protesters is unprecedented.
Critics, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, have condemned the arrest, stating it raises questions about press freedom and the First Amendment. CNN has described Lemon's arrest as "provocative" and questioned why authorities are devoting their resources to arresting journalists rather than addressing accountability for killings of US citizens.
Lemon's next court appearance is scheduled for February 9 in Minneapolis.
In a significant development, former CNN anchor Don Lemon was released from custody on Friday after being charged with violating the freedom of religion of worshippers at a Minnesota church service where he was covering a protest earlier this month. The arrest has sparked widespread condemnation from the media and human rights communities.
Lemon, 59, appeared outside a downtown federal courthouse several minutes after his release, stating that prosecution will not stop him from doing his job as a journalist. "The First Amendment of the US Constitution protects my work for me and countless other journalists," he said firmly. "I will not be silenced."
He was released on a personal recognizance bond following an indictment by the Trump administration, which charges Lemon with conspiracy against the rights of religious freedom at a place of worship and injuring, intimidating, and interfering with the exercise of right to religious freedom at a place of worship.
Lemon's case comes as part of the federal government's immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, resulting in two US citizens being shot dead. Demonstrators gathered outside the church, protesting that its pastor works for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The indictment against Lemon cites the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which prohibits force or intimidation to access reproductive services but also covers houses of worship. A Justice Department official admitted earlier this month that the use of this statute to prosecute protesters is unprecedented.
Critics, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, have condemned the arrest, stating it raises questions about press freedom and the First Amendment. CNN has described Lemon's arrest as "provocative" and questioned why authorities are devoting their resources to arresting journalists rather than addressing accountability for killings of US citizens.
Lemon's next court appearance is scheduled for February 9 in Minneapolis.
Don Lemon's arrest is a major red flag for press freedom in the US 
. I think it's absolutely insane that he's being charged under the FACE Act, which was originally meant to protect reproductive healthcare clinics, not churches or protests 
. The fact that the Trump administration is using this law to silence journalists is a clear attempt to stifle dissenting voices and limit freedom of speech 
.
. The government should be concerned about holding those in power accountable, not punishing innocent journalists for doing their job 
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. I'm glad Don Lemon was released on bail, but his next court appearance can't come soon enough – it's time for the justice system to step up and protect press freedom once and for all! 
. And now that he's been released, all this drama is just going to make him more determined to keep speaking out. Like, yay for press freedom! 
.
Don Lemon getting released from custody after being charged with violating people's freedom of religion at a church service is super concerning 
. I mean, the government using an immigration law to prosecute someone just because they're doing their job as a journalist? It's like they're trying to silence us 
. The fact that this is part of a broader crackdown on protesters in Minneapolis who were fighting for accountability on killings of US citizens is really worrying 
. Don Lemon's determination to keep doing his job despite this is super inspiring 
, but I hope he stays safe until then 
And now he's saying that the First Amendment will protect him, but at the same time, it's like... isn't he supposed to be able to do his job without getting in trouble? It's all so confusing.