Who Is Don Lemon and Why Was He Arrested
Don Lemon is a well-known American journalist and television host who rose to national prominence during his 17-year career at CNN. He anchored prime-time programs such as CNN Tonight and became known for outspoken commentary on race, politics, and social justice. After leaving CNN in 2023, Lemon launched The Don Lemon Show as an independent journalist, streaming interviews and on-the-ground reporting across digital platforms.
On January 30, 2026, Don Lemon was arrested by federal authorities in Los Angeles, according to his attorney, Abbe Lowell. At the time of his arrest, Lemon was in Los Angeles covering the Grammy Awards. The arrest is connected to a January 18 protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, where anti-ICE demonstrators disrupted a church service.
Federal prosecutors allege that Lemon entered the church with protesters and livestreamed the event, potentially violating federal laws related to civil rights and interference with religious worship. Authorities are reportedly considering charges tied to conspiracy and unlawful entry. However, Lemon has strongly denied being a protester, stating he was present solely in his capacity as a journalist documenting the event.
Notably, a federal magistrate judge previously rejected prosecutors’ initial attempt to charge Lemon, citing insufficient evidence. Despite this, the Justice Department proceeded with his arrest, a move that has sparked intense debate over press freedom and First Amendment protections.
Lemon’s legal team has called the arrest an “unprecedented attack on journalism” and says he will fight the charges vigorously in court. The case remains ongoing and continues to draw national and international attention AP News
