JUST IN: Don Lemon Arrested By Federal Authorities

Go to Article

After joining protesters in Minnesota who invaded a church to spew their anti-ICE rhetoric, former CNN anchor Don Lemon was reportedly arrested in connection with the incident.

Although it wasn’t immediately clear what charges he will face, there has been discussion since the protest regarding the scope of crimes participants could be found guilty of committing in such a scenario.

Here’s how the New York Post covered the development:

Lemon has been accused of violating the Enforcement Act of 1871, which bans interference with certain civil rights — such as voting or serving on juries — or, in this case, the right to practice one’s religion.

Also known as the Ku Klux Klan Act, it originally created to prevent the racial terrorist group from paramilitary vigilantism.

Initially, Lemon tried to get out of facing criminal conspiracy charges by claiming he was “committing journalism” while taking part in the church disruption, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon told conservative podcaster Benny Johnson on Tuesday.

“Whenever anyone conspires to violate the protected civil rights of American citizens, the Klan Act can be used to bring a conspiracy charge,” she said.

But video posted by Lemon himself before, during and after the church takeover showed he was very much part of the group, under the guise of “chronicling” the event as a reporter.

Social media users were quick to pile on the divisive pundit:

It comes after days of posts calling for Lemon to face charges:

As NBC News reported, Lemon’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, released a statement confirming the arrest:

“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.

Here’s some additional coverage of Lemon’s behavior during the protest:



Comment on this Article Via Your Disqus Account