Don Lemon Freed After Minnesota Church ICE Protest Arrest

Don Lemon is back on the outside after a dramatic arrest tied to his coverage of a protest at a Minnesota church, but it looks like the legal battle is only just beginning.

The former CNN anchor was released Friday on a no-money bond following a court appearance that underscored the growing tensions around press freedoms, protest coverage, and federal authority.

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Lemon’s attorney, Marilyn Bednarski, confirmed that he plans to plead not guilty and is prepared to challenge the charges head-on.

“He’s committed to fighting this case.”

She added after US District Judge Patricia Donahue approved his release.

Per federal prosecutors, Lemon is accused of crossing the line from protected journalism into criminal conduct by interfering with church-goers’ rights to freely practice their religious beliefs.

He faces charges including conspiracy against rights and violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, a statute designed to safeguard access to places of worship and reproductive health care facilities.

The charges stem from Lemon livestreaming a protest in Minnesota that moved from outside the church into the building itself. During the broadcast, he interviewed protestors, worshippers, and a pastor, at one point engaging in a tense exchange with a church attendee who said he felt “violated” by the demonstration.

The arrest has sparked widespread condemnation from press freedom advocates and a firestorm on social media.