Former CNN anchor and longtime journalist Don Lemon has been arrested by federal agents, according to multiple reports.
The arrest took place Thursday night in Los Angeles, where Lemon was in town covering this weekend’s Grammy Awards, his attorney confirmed.
The move comes two weeks after Lemon was present at an anti-immigration protest that disrupted a church service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Authorities say demonstrators entered the church after learning that one of its pastors was also an ICE official.
Sources familiar with the case say a grand jury was empaneled on Thursday, and that both the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) were involved in Lemon’s arrest. At this stage, it remains unclear what specific charges he may face, according to CBS.
Lemon’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, confirmed his client was taken into custody and strongly criticized the Justice Department’s actions.
“Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done,” Lowell said in a statement.
“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.”
Lowell went further, accusing federal authorities of targeting Lemon instead of investigating the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, two protesters killed earlier this month in Minnesota.
“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 said.
“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.”
According to court filings, a federal appellate court last week declined to force a lower court judge to approve arrest warrants for five individuals connected to the protest, including Lemon. However, one appellate judge stated there was probable cause to justify.
Lemon, who has worked as an independent journalist since being fired by CNN in 2023, previously said he traveled to Minneapolis amid weeks of protests because “I believe in the Constitution and I believe, especially, in the First Amendment and that all journalists should be here if they have the opportunity.”
