CNN has issued a public statement defending Don Lemon after the former network anchor was arrested in connection with a viral anti-ICE protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota.
In the statement, CNN said:
“The FBI’s arrest of our former CNN colleague Don Lemon raises profoundly concerning questions about press freedom and the First Amendment.
“The Department of Justice already failed twice to get an arrest warrant for Don and several other journalists in Minnesota, where a chief judge of the Minnesota Federal District Court found there was ‘no evidence’ that there was any criminal behavior involved in their work.”
Earlier this month, Lemon livestreamed left-wing activists who stormed a church in St. Paul.
The leftist mob raided the church over unfounded allegations that the pastor had cooperated with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
During the broadcast, Lemon told viewers that “the freedom to protest” is what the First Amendment is all about.
The actions of Lemon and his mob, however, denied churchgoers their right to religious freedom.
Justice Department officials have sought to hold those involved accountable.
“The First Amendment in the United States protects journalists who bear witness to news and events as they unfold, ensuring they can report freely in the public interest, and the DOJ’s attempts to violate those rights is unacceptable,” CNN said.
“We will be following this case closely.”
Lemon was fired by CNN in 2023 after 17 years at the network.
He later launched his own independent program on YouTube and Substack.
His tenure at CNN ended following multiple controversies.
Several media figures, including former colleagues, have publicly defended Lemon.
During CNN’s State of the Union, anchor Dana Bash pressed Todd Blanche about whether the arrest was politically motivated.
“Bottom-line question for you is, was this really about what you just described, or was it about trying to make an example out of somebody who the president has sparred with?” Bash asked.
“I don’t even know that the president’s even ever thought of Don Lemon,” Blanche responded.
“I don’t know whether that’s true or not.
“But I will tell you, we’re not making examples of people.”
President Donald Trump later referred to Lemon as a “sleazebag” while speaking with reporters.
Lemon thanked CNN and several of its journalists during his podcast on Friday.
“I’ve heard that CNN released a statement,” he said.
“Thank you very much.
“I have no animist for CNN.
“I have no animist for anyone, but I tell the truth about what I see, and I think it’s time for all journalists to stand up for each other.”
Other outlets, including The New York Times, also weighed in publicly in Lemon’s defense.
None of those outlets or journalists have spoke in defense of the churchgoers whose service was shut down by Lemon.
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