Don Lemon has been released from jail after authorities arrested him in connection to an anti-immigration protest that interrupted a Minnesota church service. According to AP News, authorities also arrested an independent journalist and two people involved in the protest in Minnesota. Video footage surfaced showing Lemon speaking to reporters just 24 hours after the Department of Justice detained him.
RELATED: Whew! Don Lemon Arrested Following Protest That Disrupted Minnesota Church Service
Don Lemon Speaks Out After Arrest & Discusses His Next Move
Authorities released Lemon from custody on Friday, January 30, after arresting him overnight on Thursday. The veteran anchor spoke to reporters outside a Los Angeles courthouse, saying he has spent 30 years covering major stories and will continue doing so. He also doubled down on the importance of spotlighting what’s happening in the world and holding those in power accountable. From there, he added that no one will ever silence him and he’s ready for his day in court. “I will not stop now, I will not stop ever.”
“I have spent my entire career covering the news, I will not stop now!” He continued, “There is no more important time that right now, this very moment […] for a free and independent media that shines a light on the truth and holds those in power accountable.”
In court, Los Angeles Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Robbins urged a judge to se a $100,000 bond, saying Lemon knowingly joined a mob that stormed into a church. However, a judge released Lemon without requiring bond and allowed him to travel to France in June while the case moves forward.
What Led To Don Lemon’s Arrest & What’s Next For Him?
As The Shade Room previously reported, a grand jury indicted Don Lemon and eight others in Minnesota after a group of anti-ICE protesters disrupted a church service. Prosecutors charged Lemon and the others with conspiracy to interfere with worshippers’ rights and with injuring or intimidating people exercising their religious freedom. The protest unfolded on Jan. 18 when demonstrators entered Cities Church in St. Paul and chanted slogans against U.S. immigration enforcement and “Justice for Renee Good,” a Minneapolis woman who was fatally shot by an ICE officer on Jan. 7. Despite reports and beliefs, Don has continued to claim his innocence, stating that he has no affiliation to the organization that stormed the church.
Don’s Lawyer Reacts To His Arrest
When the DOJ arrested Don Lemon, his attorney Abbe Lowell issued a statement. Lowell said Don isn’t backing down and will fight the charges in court.
“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 in an official statement.
Before his arrest, Don attended The Black Music Collective Grammys event and stepped into The Shade Room with Busta Rhymes. In a video shared by TSR, Busta spoke highly of Don, noting that he should be protected at all costs.
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