Journalist Don Lemon was released Friday following his arrest on federal charges related to his coverage of an anti-ICE protest at a church in Minnesota, but he will continue to face prosecution in federal court.
Lemon, 59, appeared briefly in federal court in Los Angeles on Friday before being released on a personal recognizance bond. As he entered the courtroom, he acknowledged his husband, Tim Malone, who was seated in the gallery. The two later left the courthouse together as supporters voiced encouragement outside.
The charges stem from a Jan. 18 protest at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota, where demonstrators entered during a religious service to protest immigration enforcement, chanting slogans calling for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to leave the state.
Federal prosecutors allege Lemon violated a civil rights law protecting the right to worship without interference. His attorney said Lemon was present solely in his capacity as a journalist documenting the protest and did not participate in any disruption of the service.
Lemon was taken into custody late Thursday night in Los Angeles, where he had been covering events surrounding the Grammy Awards. Federal authorities said the arrest was carried out based on a warrant issued in Minnesota.
According to court records, Lemon is charged with conspiracy against rights of religious freedom and interference with the free exercise of religion at a place of worship. If convicted, the charges could carry significant penalties.
Under the terms of his release, Lemon is allowed to travel domestically and retain his passport, though he must obtain approval for international travel. He is also barred from contacting any alleged victims or witnesses connected to the case. His next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 9 in Minneapolis.
Lemon’s legal team said he plans to plead not guilty and intends to vigorously contest the charges.
The case follows earlier efforts by federal prosecutors to bring charges against individuals connected to the church protest. Initially, a federal judge declined to allow charges to proceed against Lemon, citing insufficient evidence. Prosecutors later obtained a grand jury indictment expanding the case to include Lemon, another journalist, and several protest organizers.
Court filings allege that Lemon and another reporter livestreamed the protest as demonstrators entered the church, characterizing the incident as a coordinated disruption that caused distress among congregants. Lemon’s attorneys dispute that characterization, arguing his actions were protected by the First Amendment.
Speaking outside the courthouse Friday, Lemon said the prosecution would not deter him from reporting on immigration enforcement or government actions.
“I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now. I will not stop ever,” Lemon said. He described his arrest as an unprecedented escalation against a journalist performing his job and said he looks forward to challenging the case in court.
Lemon had previously said he expected further legal action after earlier prosecutorial efforts were rejected by a judge. In interviews prior to his arrest, he said he believed the government would continue pursuing charges despite setbacks.
The case has drawn attention from press freedom advocates, who have raised concerns about the use of federal criminal statutes against journalists covering protests and political demonstrations.