Don Lemon has been released after being taken into federal custody.
The former CNN anchor was arrested on Thursday, January 29, in connection with his coverage of an anti-ICE protest that took place earlier this month, a case that has quickly drawn attention.
Lemon appeared in court on Friday, January 30, following his arrest in Los Angeles. Per PEOPLE, Lemon, 59, was seen acknowledging his husband, Tim Malone, with a blown kiss as he entered the courtroom, where Malone sat in the gallery. After his arraignment, the couple exited together, holding hands, according to the outlet.
Lemon’s arrest stems from a January 18 protest held at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota, where demonstrators disrupted a religious service while chanting “ICE out.” Prosecutors allege Lemon violated a federal statute designed to protect individuals’ rights to participate in religious services without interference. His legal team disputes that characterization.
Lemon’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, has maintained that Lemon was acting solely in a journalistic capacity. “Don Lemon himself has come out and said he knew exactly what was going to happen inside that facility,” Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said earlier this week on The Benny Show, criticizing Lemon’s presence at the protest. Lowell countered that, noting Lemon “was taken into custody by federal agents last night in Los Angeles, where he was covering the Grammy awards.”
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Court records from the U.S. District of Minnesota, which were obtained by PEOPLE, show Lemon is facing charges including conspiracy against rights of religious freedom and interfering with the exercise of religious freedom at a place of worship. Under the terms of his release, Lemon is allowed to travel domestically and retain his passport, though international travel requires court approval. He must also avoid contact with any alleged victims or witnesses. His next court date is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 9, in Minneapolis.
Lemon shared the news himself on his own Instagram post, revealing the details of his arrest. “Don Lemon was taken into custody by federal agents last night in Los Angeles, where he was covering the Grammy Awards,” the text post, shared on Friday, read.
View this post on InstagramThe statement continued: “The first amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable.” finished, noting that, “Don will fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court.”
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