Former CNN anchor Don Lemon has been taken into custody in Los Angeles, reportedly in connection with a protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, earlier this month. The arrest comes as federal authorities sought Lemon’s involvement in the incident at Cities Church. While it remains unclear what specific charges Lemon may face, reports indicate that prosecutors had previously attempted to secure arrest warrants related to the protest, but a federal magistrate judge initially declined to approve the request.
The protest occurred during a service at Cities Church, where demonstrators entered to voice opposition to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Lemon was present and livestreamed the event, interviewing protesters and congregants. His lawyer stated that Lemon was acting in his capacity as a journalist and that his actions were protected by the First Amendment, emphasizing that his role was to “shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable.”
This latest development follows Lemon’s departure from CNN in April 2023. His contract with the network was terminated, a move Lemon described as a surprise and stated he learned of through his agent rather than directly from management. CNN, however, disputed this account, asserting that Lemon was offered a meeting with management. The exact reasons for his firing from CNN were not publicly detailed, though reports suggested difficulties in booking guests for his show and a decline in his popularity among viewers.
Prior to his CNN exit, Lemon faced scrutiny for controversial on-air comments, including remarks about Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley’s age, which led to an on-air apology. He also faced allegations of misogynistic behavior towards colleagues, which he and his representatives denied. These incidents, coupled with reports of declining viewership and booking challenges, contributed to the network’s decision to part ways with him.
Since leaving CNN, Lemon has been pursuing independent projects. He announced plans for a new show on X, formerly Twitter, which featured Elon Musk as its first interviewee. However, the interview was ultimately published on YouTube and as a podcast after Musk reportedly canceled the show on X. Lemon has maintained a public presence, engaging in journalistic activities, including his recent involvement in the Minnesota church protest, which has now led to his arrest.
