Former CNN anchor and now-independent journalist Don Lemon was arrested on January 29 following his coverage of an anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church. According to BBC News, Lemon, 59, was charged for conspiracy and violation of the FACE Act, which prohibits intimidating or interrupting the practice of religious service. The charges relate to a January 18 protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, where protestors interrupted a service to protest against a pastor believed to be affiliated with ICE. Despite allegations, Lemon pleaded not guilty and asserted that he was present as an independent journalist, merely documenting the scene.
Following a 17-year tenure at the network, Lemon was fired from CNN due to inappropriate comments on air along with alleged reports of misogynistic behavior according to an article from NPR. Past remarks on Republican Nikki Haley, 51, being “past her prime” led to extensive criticism and accusations of misbehavior from his CNN co-workers. Since then, Lemon has worked as an independent journalist, streaming his reports on his personal livestream. Lemon’s livestream of the chaotic incident had resulted in the charges of eight other protestors, including one other journalist. Despite all allegations, Lemon stood by his decision to enter the church, saying he was simply following through with his rights and duties as an independent journalist. Lemon and others were charged with conspiracy to deprive rights and interfering with religious freedom at a place of worship. Footage reveals protestors interrupting a church service chanting, “ICE out” and “Justice for Renée Good.”
According to the Society of Professional Journalists, the first rule grounding the principles of journalism is to “seek truth and report it.” This principle can make charging journalists especially difficult for the government. Journalists may invoke the First Amendment, or claim that they are otherwise fulfilling their occupational duties and “reporting the truth.” What remains is an unresolved grey space between when a journalist may take reporting too far, or is simply reporting for the good of their job. Don Lemon similarly pleaded not guilty in accordance with his rights as a journalist. According to PBS News, Lemon said that he was not affiliated with the church protest and was present as a journalist to document the event for his livestream show.
Surrounded by the support of his lawyers, the former CNN anchor is framing his legal conflict as a fight for independent journalism in America, concluding, “I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now.” CNN says that Lemon’s case raised “profoundly concerning questions about press freedom and the First Amendment.” Aside from this arrest, protests continue in Minnesota following previous federal immigration enforcement confrontations and widespread frustration.
