Don Lemon Recounts Arrest on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
During his recent appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” Don Lemon shared the details of his unexpected arrest in Los Angeles. The former CNN host was attending pre-Grammys parties before the incident occurred.
Lemon described the moment he was taken into custody by federal agents at his hotel. “I got back to the hotel with my swag bag from the party, and as I was heading to my room, I suddenly felt people trying to grab me and put me in handcuffs,” Lemon recalled. He questioned the agents about their identity and the lack of a warrant before finally being shown one on a cell phone by an FBI agent.
Prior to the arrest, Lemon had heard rumors of a possible arrest and had offered to turn himself in, but received no response from the authorities. Host Jimmy Kimmel labeled the incident as a “waste of resources,” which Lemon agreed with, suggesting that the arrest was meant to intimidate and send a message.
The arrest stemmed from allegations of a civil rights violation during a Minnesota ICE Protest, where Lemon was covering the event as a journalist. Despite the charges, Lemon maintained his innocence and emphasized his commitment to reporting the news.
After being released on his own recognizance by a judge, Lemon affirmed his dedication to his work in the press. “I have spent my entire career covering the news, and I will not be silenced,” Lemon stated. He expressed his gratitude for the First Amendment protection of journalists like himself and vowed to continue his journalistic endeavors.
