Former CNN anchor Don Lemon arrested by federal agents in Los Angeles: attorney

Don Lemon was “taken into custody by federal agents” on Thursday evening, according to his lawyer.

The former CNN anchor has been charged with violating a federal law by allegedly impeding individuals’ right to worship during the anti-ICE protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minn., on Jan. 18, the New York Times reported Friday.

The 59-year-old was handcuffed in Los Angeles after attending the 2026 Recording Academy Honors.

Lemon, notably, is in California covering this weekend’s Grammys.

His lawyer, Abbe Lowell, promised in a statement that “Don will fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court.”

He claimed, “Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done. The First Amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable.”

The statement continued, “Instead of investigating the federal agents who killed two peaceful Minnesota protesters, [Renee Good and Alex Pretti], the Trump Justice Department is devoting its time, attention and resources to this case.”

He referred to his client’s arrest as an “attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration” — and an “unprecedented attack on the First Amendment.”

This is a developing story…