Former CNN anchor Don Lemon has been arrested by the Department of Justice on charges relating to a protest at a Minnesota church, his lawyer claims.
The charges allege that Lemon violated federal law during the incident earlier this month.
Federal charges brought against Don Lemon
Lemon was filmed at a protest during which anti-ICE protesters disrupted a church service in St Paul on January 18.
Speaking to Lemon, one of the protesters said that the intention was to disrupt ‘business as usual’ at the location.
Three other demonstrators have also been arrested in connection with the protest, the charges against them related to conspiring to interfere with the civil rights of others.
President Donald Trump has previously commented on Lemon, calling him ‘lightweight’ and a ‘loser’.
On the church incident, Trump said: “I saw him the way he walked in that church it was terrible,
“I have such respect for that pastor.
“He was so calm, he was so nice. He was just accosted. What they did in that church was horrible.”
CNN star Don Lemon arrested in Los Angeles after Minnesota incident
Abbe Lowell, a lawyer appointed by Lemon, said that the former anchor was ‘taken into custody by federal agents last night in Los Angeles, where he was covering the Grammy awards’.
Lowell added: “Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done,
“The first amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable.”
The lawyer continued: “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,
“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.”
It is understood that Lemon is still in custody.
The Department of Justice has yet to respond.
After noting that magistrates rejected charges against Lemon, Lowell concluded: “Should the Department of Justice continue with a stunning and troubling effort to silence and punish a journalist for doing his job, Don will call out their latest attack on the rule of law and fight any charges vigorously and thoroughly in court.”