CNN defends Don Lemon after former host arrested for covering anti-ICE protests

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CNN releases statement defending former employee Don Lemon Former CNN host arrested Linked to a viral protest by anti-ICE agitators that disrupted worship services at a St. Paul church in Minnesota.

“The FBI’s arrest of our former CNN colleague Don Lemon raises profound concerns about press freedom and the First Amendment,” the network said in a statement a statement. “The Justice Department has twice failed to obtain an arrest warrant for Minnesota’s Don and several other journalists,” said a state minnesota judge A federal district court found there was ‘no evidence’ that their work involved any criminal conduct. “

At the beginning of this month, Lemons Live Left-Wing Agitators He attacked the St. Paul City Church on suspicion that its pastor was working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Lemon told the audience that “freedom to protest” is all part of the First Amendment, but that Justice Department officials have been working to hold participants accountable.

“this first amendment CNN stated that the U.S. Department of Justice protects journalists who witness news and events and ensures that they can report freely in the public interest. It is unacceptable for the Department of Justice to attempt to infringe on these rights. We will follow this case closely.

Don Lemon live-streamed video of an attack on St. Paul City Church by left-wing agitators who suspected its pastor of working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). (Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

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Lemon is Fired from CNN in 2023 He has since started his own shows on YouTube and Substack. The former CNN anchor, who worked at the network for 17 years, was involved in several scandals at the network before he was fired.

Some members of the media Some, including some of his former colleagues, came to Lemon’s defense.

CNN’s Dana Bash questioned Attorney General Todd Blanche on Sunday about Lemon’s arrest. Bash asked Branch if the arrest was an attempt to set an example for Lemon, an outspoken critic of the president.

“The most important question for you is, is this really what you just described, or is this an attempt to follow the example of someone who has had a falling out with the president?” Bash asked Branch on “State of the Union.”

Don Lemon speaks outside the Los Angeles courthouse

Don Lemon speaks to the media after a hearing at the Edward R. Roybal Federal Court in Los Angeles on January 30, 2026. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)

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“I don’t even know if the president ever thought about Don Lemon,” Branch said. “I don’t know if that’s true. But I will tell you, we’re not following people’s example.”

Trump called Lemon a “bummer” in an interview with reporters.

lemon Thank you to many CNN reporters and the network during his podcast on Friday.

“I heard CNN put out a statement. Thank you very much. I’m not animistic about CNN. I’m not animistic about anyone, but I speak the truth as I see it and I think it’s time for all journalists to support each other,” he said.