Journalist Don Lemon was released from federal custody on Jan. 30, 2026, after prosecutors sought but failed to impose bond and travel restrictions following his arrest in connection to his reporting on a Minnesota church protest.
On Jan. 30, Lemon made his initial court appearance in Los Angeles federal court. Prosecutors sought a $100,000 bond and requested restrictions on Lemon’s travel, including travel to Minneapolis to face charges and to New York, where he resides. The presiding magistrate judge denied both requests.
Lemon was not asked to enter a plea at the hearing.
Outside the federal courthouse, Lemon addressed reporters, saying:
“I want to thank everyone for their support – it means the world to me.
I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now. In fact, there is no more important time than this very moment for a free and independent media that shines a light on the truth and holds those in power accountable.
Last night the DOJ sent a team of federal agents to arrest me in the middle of the night for doing what I have been doing for 30 years. The First Amendment to the US Constitution protects that work for me and countless other journalists who do what I do. I stand with all of them, and I will not be silenced. I look forward to my day in court.”
Lemon’s arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 9 in federal court in Minneapolis.
Federal authorities said Lemon and three others were arrested in connection with a Jan. 18 protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, and charged with violating federal law. Also arrested were independent journalist Georgia Fort, Minnesota State Senate candidate Jamael Lydell Lundy, and activist Trahern Jeen Crews, a former co-chair of the Green Party of Minnesota and co-founder of Black Lives Matter Minnesota. Lemon was detained while he was in Los Angeles to cover the 2026 Grammy Awards
This story is developing.
