Don Lemon Arrested After Minnesota Church Protest Coverage
PUBLISHED Jan 30, 2026, 9:19 AM ET
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Washington — Federal agents arrested former CNN journalist Don Lemon in Los Angeles this week in connection with a Jan. 18 protest that disrupted a service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, his attorney and multiple news outlets reported. Independent journalist Georgia Fort was also taken into custody. A magistrate judge had recently rejected prosecutors’ initial bid to charge a journalist in the case, and officials have not disclosed the specific charges against Lemon. Attorney Abbe Lowell said Lemon was reporting and will contest any charges in court. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.
By Moonie | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Jan. 18: Anti-ICE protesters enter Cities Church service in St. Paul, Minnesota.
- Immediate aftermath: Local authorities investigate and detain several individuals tied to the disruption.
- Later: Prosecutors sought charges related to the incident; a magistrate judge rejected an initial bid.
- This week: Federal agents arrested Don Lemon and Georgia Fort in Los Angeles while Lemon covered the Grammy Awards.
- Afterwards: Attorney Abbe Lowell announced Lemon will fight any charges, citing First Amendment concerns.
- Articles Published:
- 11
- Right Leaning:
- 1
- Left Leaning:
- 1
- Neutral:
- 9
- Distribution:
- Left 9%, Center 82%, Right 9%
Civil liberties advocates and news organizations may gain renewed attention and legal focus around press protections after the arrest and ensuing statements from attorneys and media figures.
Don Lemon, Georgia Fort, and the church congregation experienced immediate legal, reputational, and community impacts as authorities investigated the Jan. 18 protest and subsequent reporting activities.
Coverage of Story:
From Left
Journalist Don Lemon was arrested for recording an anti-immigration protest that disrupted a Minnesota church service
The Philadelphia InquirerFrom Center
Don Lemon Arrested After Minnesota Church Protest Coverage
http://www.wtol.com WKYC 3 Cleveland ABC57 WBAL The Straits Times Media Bias/Fact Check Asian News International (ANI) 2 News Nevada Boston
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