Don Lemon Speaks Out After Release From Jail: "I Will Not Be Silenced"
In a defiant statement outside the Los Angeles courthouse, former CNN anchor and independent journalist Don Lemon vowed to continue speaking truth to power despite being released on his own recognizance from jail. The 30-year veteran journalist was indicted on charges of interfering with a religious service during an ICE protest in Minnesota, but he refused to back down.
"I have spent my entire career covering the news," Lemon said. "I will not stop now. I will not stop ever." He emphasized that his work as a journalist is protected by the First Amendment and that he stands in solidarity with fellow journalists who face similar challenges.
Lemon's attorney, Marilyn Bednarski, argued that her client has no history of violence and does not pose a risk to the community. The judge rejected the government's request for a $100,000 bond, citing Lemon's extensive experience as a journalist and his commitment to reporting on important issues.
The arrest of Don Lemon comes amidst growing tensions between the media and law enforcement agencies over press freedom and First Amendment rights. In recent months, several journalists have been arrested or faced intimidation in connection with their work covering protests and public events.
As part of the plea deal, Lemon was ordered to appear in court on February 9th in Minneapolis. However, his lawyer Abbe Lowell made it clear that her client will not be silenced: "Don has been a journalist for 30 years... The First Amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable."
In a move seen as an attempt to mock Lemon's arrest, the White House posted a mocking tweet on their X post page. However, CNN spoke out strongly against the DOJ's actions, stating that the FBl's arrest of Don Lemon raises "profoundly concerning questions about press freedom and the First Amendment." The network pledged to follow this case closely.
Lemon himself remains committed to his work as an independent journalist, undeterred by the challenges he faces. In a powerful statement, he declared: "I will not be silenced."
In a defiant statement outside the Los Angeles courthouse, former CNN anchor and independent journalist Don Lemon vowed to continue speaking truth to power despite being released on his own recognizance from jail. The 30-year veteran journalist was indicted on charges of interfering with a religious service during an ICE protest in Minnesota, but he refused to back down.
"I have spent my entire career covering the news," Lemon said. "I will not stop now. I will not stop ever." He emphasized that his work as a journalist is protected by the First Amendment and that he stands in solidarity with fellow journalists who face similar challenges.
Lemon's attorney, Marilyn Bednarski, argued that her client has no history of violence and does not pose a risk to the community. The judge rejected the government's request for a $100,000 bond, citing Lemon's extensive experience as a journalist and his commitment to reporting on important issues.
The arrest of Don Lemon comes amidst growing tensions between the media and law enforcement agencies over press freedom and First Amendment rights. In recent months, several journalists have been arrested or faced intimidation in connection with their work covering protests and public events.
As part of the plea deal, Lemon was ordered to appear in court on February 9th in Minneapolis. However, his lawyer Abbe Lowell made it clear that her client will not be silenced: "Don has been a journalist for 30 years... The First Amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable."
In a move seen as an attempt to mock Lemon's arrest, the White House posted a mocking tweet on their X post page. However, CNN spoke out strongly against the DOJ's actions, stating that the FBl's arrest of Don Lemon raises "profoundly concerning questions about press freedom and the First Amendment." The network pledged to follow this case closely.
Lemon himself remains committed to his work as an independent journalist, undeterred by the challenges he faces. In a powerful statement, he declared: "I will not be silenced."
remember when Dan Rather was getting slammed for his reporting on Bush and the whole thing was a big deal? now it feels like that same energy is building up around Don Lemon and it's making me nervous 
. but at the same time I gotta respect the guy for standing up for what he believes in, even if it means going to jail 
. I mean, we used to think it was crazy when Keith Olbermann got fired from MSNBC for commenting on politics... now it feels like that's a badge of honor? 
! he's been in this game for 30 years and he still won't back down 
. it's crazy that the gov is trying to silence him because they're scared of what he's reporting on 
. as a journalist, he has the right to free speech and we should be supporting him every step of the way 
. this is exactly why we need more journalists like don who aren't afraid to speak truth to power 
.
... like i get it, freedom of speech is important and all that but arresting him for reporting on protests? that's just crazy talk 
... and what's with the government trying to silence him? he's a journalist, not some violent agitator... and CNN is totally right to speak out against this 
... we need people like don lemon holding those in power accountable, not being silenced 
... anyway, i'm glad don lemon is still standing strong 
just saw Don Lemon being released from jail and I gotta say it's super concerning that he was even arrested in the first place 
because let's be real, that's what journalism is all about 
This whole situation with Don Lemon's arrest feels like a perfect storm of press freedom and First Amendment rights issues. The fact that CNN is taking a strong stance against the DOJ's actions just shows how important journalism is in holding those in power accountable