Don Lemon, a prominent journalist, has raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding his recent arrest. He claims the authorities intended to humiliate him despite his prior offer to surrender.
Details of Arrest
Lemon discussed the arrest during an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on Monday night. He was arrested on a Friday in Los Angeles County, specifically at a Beverly Hills hotel. Lemon was in town covering events related to the Grammy Awards. His arrest stems from an incident at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, where protesters disrupted services on January 17.
Charges Against Lemon
The charges include violations of religious freedoms due to his involvement in the protest, which opposed the church’s pastor being connected with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The criminal complaint states he acknowledged participating in the protest’s planning and documented the events as a journalist.
Claims of Intimidation
- Lemon alleges he informed federal authorities of his intent to surrender through his lawyer.
- He claims he received no acknowledgment of this offer.
- Upon his arrest, he was met with over a dozen law enforcement officials.
“They want to embarrass you and instill fear,” Lemon told Kimmel.
Legal Proceedings
Lemon’s lawyer has stated that he plans to plead not guilty to the charges. A federal grand jury in Minnesota indicted him and eight others following the incident. His next court appearance is set for February 9 in Minneapolis.
Reaction from Authorities
The Department of Justice has not commented on Lemon’s allegations regarding his arrest. Lemon expressed frustration, stating, “It was a waste of resources,” referring to his lengthy detention where he had limited communication, even as media coverage of his situation escalated.
As the situation unfolds, it continues to draw significant attention, reflecting ongoing tensions surrounding issues of immigration and civil rights.
