Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested by federal agents on Thursday night in Los Angeles over a protest at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Officials say Lemon joined a group that disrupted a service on January 18.
Lemon and several others were charged with federal civil rights violations. The charges accuse them of interfering with people’s right to worship and conspiring to violate religious freedom laws.
The protest inside the church opposed federal immigration policies. Demonstrators interrupted the service, chanting slogans that drew attention to immigration enforcement actions.
Lemon’s attorney said he was there as a journalist reporting on the event. The lawyer said Lemon did not participate in planning the protest and was unaware it would disrupt the service.
Federal authorities released Lemon without bail after a court appearance. He is due to appear again in court in the coming days.
Supporters and press freedom groups have expressed concern about the charges, saying they could affect journalists covering protests and public events.
The case is ongoing, and the charges against Lemon could lead to a trial on federal civil rights counts.
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