Federal judge releases Don Lemon from custody without bail

A federal judge in Los Angeles on Friday released former CNN anchor Don Lemon from custody without bail, after the Justice Department charged him with federal civil rights crimes in connection with an anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church last weekend.

Lemon was arrested Thursday and charged with conspiracy and interfering with the First Amendment rights of worshipers during a Jan. 18 protest at the Cities Church in St. Paul, where a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official serves as a pastor.

He was released on his own recognizance and his attorneys promised he would not have contact with known witnesses, victims or co-defendants. He is also not allowed to travel internationally without court approval, CNN reported.

“I have spent my entire career covering the news – I will not stop now,” Lemon told reporters after his release. “In fact, there is no more important time than right now, this very moment, for a free and independent media that shines a light on the truth and holds those in power accountable.”

Lemon and his attorney, Abbe Lowell, argue the former anchor was covering the protest in Minnesota as an independent journalist and was not engaging in the protest. Lemon has his own show on YouTube and livestreamed the event. 

Another independent journalist, Georgia Fort, was also arrested for allegedly participating in the protest, though she also claimed she was covering it and livestreamed the protest on social media. She was also released Friday.

Lemon is due back in court on Feb. 9.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.