Don Lemon arrested by federal authorities, his attorney says
Jan 30, 2026
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested by federal authorities on Thursday night, according to his attorney.
Lemon, 59, was taken into custody by federal agents last night in Los Angeles, where he was covering the Grammy awards, his attorney, Abbe Lowell, said in a statement.
It was not immed
iately clear why Lemon was arrested. However, the Justice Department promised to pursue charges against Lemon after the independent journalist covered a protest in a church in St. Paul, Minnesota, last week.
“Instead of investigating the federal agents who killed two peaceful Minnesota protesters, the Trump Justice Department is devoting its time, attention and resources to this arrest, and that is the real indictment of wrongdoing in this case,” Lowell said. “This unprecedented attack on the First Amendment and transparent attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration will not stand.
“Don will fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court,” Lowell added.
His arrest follows the unprecedented detention of three people who protested the same church service Lemon covered. Demonstrators gathered at the service because its pastor allegedly works for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Over the last two months, the federal government has surged 3,000 federal immigration agents to the Twin Cities.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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