Share and Follow
In a recent Substack entry, former CNN anchor Don Lemon portrayed himself as a wronged reporter, drawing on biblical references to address his recent arrest on federal charges tied to an anti-ICE demonstration at a Minnesota church.
Lemon, who was freed without bail this past Friday, maintains that his actions were in line with journalistic duties. However, prosecutors argue that he actively collaborated with activists who disrupted the service at Cities Church.
Referencing scripture, Lemon wrote, “‘The truth shall set you free,’” citing John 8:32, adding, “Yet, it doesn’t promise protection from confinement or shield you from the repercussions of clear vision. Nor does it ensure the comfort of those in power.”
Lemon expressed that this realization came “not through religious study, but through personal experience,” as he reflected on how “the authorities deemed my journalistic endeavors as unprotected speech, thus punishable.”
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Don Lemon affirmed his commitment to his reporting, emphasizing that he stands by his work. (Don Lemon/YouTube)
Throughout the post, Lemon likened his arrest to historic efforts to silence journalists and civil rights figures, writing that press freedom only exists so long as it does not challenge those in power.
Lemon wrote that America “loves the idea of a free press,” but only so long as journalism does not “disturb comfort” or “expose what power would rather conceal,” saying the First Amendment exists to protect accountability, not convenience.
Prosecutors charged Lemon with conspiracy to deprive rights and a FACE Act violation stemming from his involvement in an anti-ICE protest that disrupted church services in Minnesota.
Don Lemon livestreamed left-wing agitators who stormed St. Paul’s Cities Church under the suspicion that its pastor had collaborated with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). (Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
Lemon drew attention earlier this month after livestreaming activists who entered St. Paul’s Cities Church during Sunday services, and has said he was present in a journalistic capacity, while the indictment alleges he coordinated with protest organizers prior to their arrival.
According to a federal affidavit dated Jan. 20, parishioners told investigators that agitators blocked stairwells and aisles inside the church, preventing parents from reaching children in a downstairs childcare area and making it difficult for worshipers to leave the sanctuary.
One parishioner reported fearing the agitators may have been armed after hearing shouting that sounded like the word “shoot.”
Parishioners at Cities Church reported agitators terrorizing them and yelling in their faces. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Other churchgoers described agitators yelling in the faces of parishioners, including women and young children, causing some children to cry.
One woman fell and was injured as worshipers fled through a side exit, according to the affidavit.
The affidavit alleges the group entered the church in a coordinated manner, disrupted the service and intimidated parishioners, forcing it to be cut short.
During the incident, video reviewed by investigators shows a church pastor asking one individual to leave the building, saying he needed to “take care of my church and my family.”
The pastor appeared visibly distressed as activists continued to confront him, according to the affidavit.
Despite those allegations, Lemon compared his arrest to the treatment of civil rights leaders and journalists he said were punished for challenging power, citing Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and James Baldwin.