Don Lemon Doubles Down After Spending a Night in Jail, Reactions Pour In [WATCH]

Former CNN host Don Lemon was released from custody without bail Friday following a court appearance in Los Angeles related to federal charges stemming from an anti-ICE protest in Minnesota.

Lemon addressed reporters outside the courthouse after the hearing, saying he would continue his work despite the charges.

“I’ve spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now,” Lemon said.

Warning: Account balances and purchasing power no longer tell the same story. Know in 2 minutes if your retirement is working for you.

“There is no more important time than right now, this very moment, for a free and independent media that shines a light on the truth and holds those accountable. And I will not stop now. I will not stop ever.

“Last night, the DOJ sent a team of federal agents to arrest me in the middle of the night for something that I’ve been doing for the last 30 years. And that is covering the news. The First Amendment of the Constitution protects that work for me and for countless other journalists who do what I do. I stand with all of them, and I will not be silenced. I look forward to my day in court.”

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

Lemon appeared in court wearing a tan suit and a tan collarless shirt and was escorted into the courtroom without restraints. His husband and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass were present in the courtroom in support. Lemon’s next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 9 in Minneapolis.

Federal prosecutors have charged Lemon with conspiracy to deprive rights and a violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, commonly known as the FACE Act.

The charges are tied to Lemon’s alleged involvement in an anti-ICE protest that disrupted Sunday services at a Minnesota church.

Lemon was arrested while in Los Angeles, where he was covering the Grammy Awards at the time.

In a statement, Lemon’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, defended his client and said the charges target constitutionally protected activity.

“Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done,” Lowell said.

“The First Amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable. There is no more important time for people like Don to be doing this work. 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. This unprecedented attack on the First Amendment and transparent attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration will not stand. Don will fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court.”

A federal magistrate judge previously rejected the Justice Department’s initial effort to bring charges against Lemon. After that ruling, prosecutors sought and obtained an indictment from a Minnesota grand jury.

Lemon drew national attention earlier this month after livestreaming footage of left-wing agitators who stormed Cities Church in St. Paul during Sunday services.

Lemon has maintained that he was present at the church in his capacity as a journalist and not as a protest participant.

The indictment, however, alleges that Lemon coordinated with protest organizers prior to their arrival at the church.

According to a federal affidavit, agitators disrupted the service and “intimidated, harassed, oppressed, and terrorized the parishioners, including young children, and caused the service to be cut short.”

Churchgoers told law enforcement that members of the congregation attempted to retrieve their children from a downstairs childcare area but were unable to do so because agitators were blocking the stairs.

One churchgoer reported fearing that the agitators might have guns concealed beneath their jackets and said aisles were blocked, making it difficult to leave the building.

Authorities said the protesters targeted Cities Church because of suspicions that its pastor was cooperating with ICE.

The Freedom of the Press Foundation criticized Lemon’s arrest and the decision to pursue charges.

“Two federal courts flatly rejected prosecuting Lemon because the evidence for these vindictive and unconstitutional charges was insufficient, and Lemon has every right to document news and inform the public,” said Seth Stern, the organization’s chief of advocacy.

“Instead of accepting that humiliating defeat, the government has now doubled down.”

“The unmistakable message is that journalists must tread cautiously because the government is looking for any way to target them,” Stern added.

“The answer to this outrageous attack is not fear or self-censorship. It’s an even stronger commitment to journalism, the truth and the First Amendment.”

CNN also issued a statement defending Lemon, who was terminated by the network in 2023.

pic.twitter.com/Yy9IOZRpJU

— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) January 30, 2026

The FACE Act makes it a federal crime to use or threaten force to “injure, intimidate, or interfere” with individuals seeking reproductive health services or those exercising their First Amendment right to religious freedom at places of worship.

The law also prohibits intentional damage to facilities providing reproductive health services or religious worship.

Several other individuals connected to the protest face similar federal charges, including Georgia Fort, an independent journalist who has also said she was present at the church to cover the protest rather than participate in it.