Don Lemon Speaks Out on Arrest During Jimmy Kimmel Interview
In a revealing television appearance, journalist Don Lemon has publicly addressed his arrest last week, defending his professional conduct while covering an anti-ICE protest in Minnesota. The former CNN anchor appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday night, detailing the circumstances of his detention and the serious federal charges he now faces.
Journalist or Protester? Lemon Draws Clear Line
During the interview, Lemon emphasized his role as a journalist rather than a participant in the protest. "There's a lot that I cannot say," Lemon told Kimmel. "But what I will say is that I'm not a protester. I went there to be a journalist. I went there to chronicle and document and record what was happening ... I do think that there is a difference between a protester and a journalist."
The 59-year-old was arrested on Thursday in Los Angeles by federal agents following his coverage of anti-ICE protesters who stormed a Minnesota church last month. He was released without bond on Friday and is expected to plead not guilty, according to his legal representatives.
Federal Charges and Emotional Impact
When asked by Kimmel about his emotional state, Lemon responded candidly: "I don't know — that's an honest answer." He continued, "I'm OK. I'm not going to let them steal my joy, but this is very serious. These are federal criminal charges."
Lemon faces charges of conspiracy to deprive church congregants of their rights and interfering by force with someone's First Amendment rights. Three other individuals involved in the January 18 protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota were also arrested at the direction of Attorney General Pam Bondi, who described the incident as a "coordinated attack" on a house of worship.
The Arrest: A Calculated Move?
Lemon revealed to Kimmel that he hadn't initially been concerned about arrest until threats appeared on former President Donald Trump's social media feed. The journalist explained that after retaining legal counsel, he volunteered to turn himself in to maintain a low-profile approach but received no response.
"That is customary in a situation like this, that someone would be allowed to turn themselves in," Lemon stated. "People who are accused of much worse things than I am accused of doing, they are allowed the courtesy. I mean, Donald Trump was allowed the courtesy to turn himself in ..."
Describing the actual arrest, which occurred the day after he covered a Grammys event, Lemon said he was suddenly grabbed and handcuffed upon returning to his hotel. "They took me outside, FBI guys were out there. It had to be maybe a dozen people, which is a waste, Jimmy, of resources," he remarked. "They want to embarrass you. They want to intimidate you. They want to instill fear."
Lemon's Response and Trump's Reaction
Following his release, Lemon addressed supporters outside the courthouse, declaring, "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 in power accountable." He added, "I will not stop now, I will not stop ever."
The following day, former President Trump commented on Lemon's arrest to reporters: "I don't know anything about the Don Lemon thing, but he's a sleazebag. He's a washup. Probably from his standpoint, (this is) the best thing that could happen to him. He got no viewers. He was a failure. He's a failed host, and now he's in the news."
The case continues to develop as Lemon prepares his legal defense while maintaining his commitment to journalistic principles amidst what he describes as an attempt to undermine press freedom through intimidation tactics.
