There was a clear reason for Don Lemon’s arrest last week. The journalist appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Monday to discuss everything he went through on Thursday evening. The journalist has been making waves among government officials for live-streaming protests in Minnesota.
The former CNN journalist had been put on notice by the Department of Justice and was detained last week. The circumstances behind it, however, sound rather fishy. According to Don, it was purely a move to humiliate him publicly and nothing more.
Don Lemon said “they didn’t have a warrant” before arrest
Don Lemon is opening up about what he went through last week. On Jimmy Kimmel Live!, he says he was bombarded by agents in an elevator on Thursday. He had just reported on the Grammys, saying afterwards he suddenly felt himself “being jostled.” He adds that those trying to detain him didn’t identify themselves at first. After doing so, he asked where their warrant was. He says, “They didn’t have a warrant.” Because of that, he says they had to wait for someone to come over and show Don the warrant on a cell phone.
In the interview, Don alleged that they didn’t want to allow him to turn himself in but instead wanted to waste resources to humiliate the journalist. Don was accused of allegedly obstructing a worship service in St. Paul and intimidating parishioners. His lawyer says the arrest violated the First Amendment. After being detained, he underwent booking and fingerprinting. He was later released on his own recognizance after appearing in federal court. This week, Don pleaded with journalists to stand up to the Donald Trump administration.
Two judges and an appeals court denied pressing charges against Don, though a grand jury agreed to follow through. He is one of eight people indicted for allegedly conspiring against religious freedom. Independent journalist Georgia Fort is also among those on trial.
TELL US – DO YOU BELIEVE DON’S ARREST WAS A HUMILIATION TACTIC BY THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION?
