Independent journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort are committed to continuing their reporting efforts following their recent arrests during an anti-ICE protest at a church in Minnesota. The two journalists were apprehended while covering the demonstration, which saw criticism from various human rights advocates and journalism organizations regarding the circumstances surrounding their arrests.
Lemon, a former CNN anchor, and Fort were released from federal custody after facing indictment on charges related to the disruption of a religious service at the Cities Church in St. Paul, where a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official serves as a pastor. Both have asserted that they were not participating in the protest but were present solely to report on the events.
In a recent episode of his YouTube show, Lemon emphasized the importance of solidarity among journalists, stating, “This is a moment for journalists around the world to stand up for each other.” He further expressed that efforts to silence journalists threaten the very fabric of free expression.
Fort, a native of Minnesota, documented her arrest by federal agents outside her home. In an interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper, she affirmed her determination to continue telling the stories of her community, expressing concern that these arrests convey “a chilling message” to the media landscape. “If they can criminalize a journalist here in Minnesota, whether you’re independent or not, I think that we’ve seen a track record where this is just going to continue to escalate,” she remarked.
Legal assessments of the situation have indicated that a federal magistrate had previously declined to authorize Lemon’s arrest, citing insufficient evidence. Similarly, the chief federal appeals court judge in Minnesota dismissed a prosecutor’s appeal against this decision, affirming that there was “no evidence” of any criminal activity pertaining to Lemon’s journalistic work.
Abbe Lowell, Lemon’s attorney, characterized the arrests as “an unprecedented attack on the First Amendment.” He reassured that Lemon plans to “fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court.” Meanwhile, Leita Walker, representing Fort, echoed this sentiment, stating that Fort will also mount a robust defense against the allegations.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in their pursuit of truth and raises critical questions about press freedoms in the United States. The resilience displayed by Lemon and Fort in the wake of their arrests may inspire a broader dialogue around the protection of journalists and their essential role in society.