Former CNN anchor and veteran journalist Don Lemon was taken into custody by federal authorities on Thursday evening, according to multiple media reports.
The arrest occurred in Los Angeles, where Lemon was reportedly present to cover events surrounding this weekend’s Grammy Awards, his legal team confirmed.
Arrest follows earlier protest coverage
The development comes roughly two weeks after Lemon was present at an anti-immigration protest in St. Paul, Minnesota, an event that disrupted a church service at Cities Church.
According to authorities, demonstrators entered the church after learning that one of its pastors also held a role with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Lemon was reportedly covering the protest in his capacity as an independent journalist.
Federal agencies involved
Sources familiar with the matter told CBS that a grand jury was convened on Thursday and that both the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) participated in Lemon’s arrest. As of now, officials have not publicly detailed the specific charges, and the case remains under active legal review.
Lemon’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, confirmed that his client was detained and sharply criticized the Justice Department’s actions.
Legal team raises First Amendment concerns
In a public statement, Lowell emphasized Lemon’s decades-long career in journalism and argued that his actions were constitutionally protected.
“Don Lemon has been a journalist for more than 30 years,” Lowell said. “His reporting in Minneapolis was consistent with the work he has done throughout his career.”
Lowell added that the First Amendment exists to safeguard journalists who report on matters of public interest and hold institutions accountable, particularly during periods of heightened national tension.
Broader criticism of federal response
Lowell also accused federal authorities of misdirecting their focus, referencing the deaths of two protesters — Renee Good and Alex Pretti — who were killed earlier this month in Minnesota.
“Rather than prioritizing a thorough investigation into those deaths, federal resources are being directed toward this arrest,” Lowell said, calling the situation “deeply troubling.”
He described the case as an unprecedented challenge to press freedom and stated that Lemon intends to contest the charges vigorously in court.
Prior court developments
According to court documents, a federal appeals court recently declined to compel a lower court judge to approve arrest warrants for five individuals connected to the protest, including Lemon. However, one appellate judge reportedly indicated that probable cause existed.
Lemon’s recent work as an independent journalist
Since his departure from CNN in 2023, Lemon has worked as an independent journalist. Prior to attending the Minnesota protests, he publicly stated that he felt compelled to be there.
“I believe in the Constitution,” Lemon previously said, “and especially in the First Amendment. Journalists should be present to document what’s happening whenever possible.”
Ongoing legal process
At this stage, federal authorities have not released full details regarding the charges or next steps. The case is expected to move through the courts in the coming weeks, as questions surrounding press freedom, civil liberties, and federal law enforcement practices continue to draw national attention.