Don Lemon was released from prison after authorities arrested him in connection with an anti-immigration protest that disrupted a church service in Minnesota. According to AP Newsauthorities also arrested an independent journalist and two people involved in the protest in Minnesota. Video footage has surfaced showing Lemon speaking to reporters just 24 hours after his arrest by the Justice Department.
RELATED: Phew! Don Lemon arrested following protest that disrupted Minnesota church service
Don Lemon speaks out after his arrest and discusses his next move
Authorities released Lemon on Friday, January 30, after arresting him Thursday night. The veteran anchor spoke to reporters outside a Los Angeles courthouse, saying he has spent 30 years covering major stories and will continue to do so. He also stressed the importance of shining a light on what is happening in the world and holding those in power to account. From there, he added that no one will ever silence him and he is ready for his day in court. “I won’t stop now, I will never stop.”
“I’ve spent my entire career covering the news, I’m not going to stop now! He continued: “There is no time more important than right now, this very moment. […] for free and independent media that shine a light on the truth and hold those in power accountable.
In court, Los Angeles Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Robbins urged a judge to post $100,000 bail, saying Lemon knowingly joined a mob that broke into a church. However, a judge released Lemon without requiring bail and allowed him to travel to France in June while the case moves forward.
What led to Don Lemon’s arrest and what’s next for him?
As The Shade Room previously reported, a grand jury indicted Don Lemon and eight others in Minnesota after a group of anti-ICE protesters disrupted a church service. Prosecutors charged Lemon and the others with conspiring to violate the rights of worshipers and harming or intimidating people exercising their religious freedom. THE the demonstration took place on January 18 when protesters entered Cities Church in St. Paul and chanted slogans against the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws and “Justice for Renee Good.” a woman from Minneapolis who was fatally shot by an ICE officer on January 7. Despite the information and beliefs, Don continued to maintain his innocence, stating that he had no affiliation with the organization that stormed the church.
Don’s lawyer reacts to his arrest
When the DOJ arrested Don Lemon, his lawyer Abbe Lowell issued a statement. Lowell said Don is not backing down and will fight the charges in court.
“Instead of investigating the federal agents who killed two peaceful Minnesota protesters, the Trump Justice Department is focusing its time, attention and resources on this arrest, and that is the true indictment of wrongdoing in this case,” Lowell said in an official statement.
Before his arrest, Don attended the Black Music Collective’s Grammys event and entered The Shade Room with Busta Rhymes. In a video shared by TSR, Busta praised Don, emphasizing that he should be protected at all costs.
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