Stephen A. Smith Voices Strong Support for Arrested Journalist Don Lemon
Stephen A. Smith has issued a passionate defense of journalist Don Lemon following his recent arrest, asserting that anyone endorsing the charges undermines the First Amendment. Smith, a prominent media personality, addressed the situation directly on his YouTube channel, emphasizing Lemon’s long-standing credentials in journalism.
Lemon, 59, appeared in a Los Angeles court on Friday facing federal charges connected to his reporting on anti-ICE protests at a church in Minneapolis earlier this month. He was released without bail after the hearing.
Details of the Charges and Protest Incident
The charges against Lemon include conspiracy and interference with the First Amendment rights of worshipers. The incident occurred during a January 18 protest at the Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, where a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official serves as pastor. A grand jury indicted Lemon alongside eight others, alleging they disrupted a Sunday service by storming the church, shouting slogans, blowing whistles, and gesturing aggressively toward the pastor and congregation.
Prosecutors claim the group planned the action in advance, posting details on social media and briefing participants in a parking lot. Lemon reportedly live-streamed the event, reminding co-conspirators to keep the target secret and interviewing both protesters and churchgoers. Footage shows him arguing with the pastor, citing constitutional rights to free speech and assembly.
In the indictment, officials describe how Lemon and others surrounded the pastor, peppering him with questions to advance their message. Lemon noted on his stream that a young man appeared frightened and crying, describing the scene as traumatic.
Smith’s Fiery Commentary on Press Freedom
Smith expressed outrage over the arrest, stating, ‘Whether you like it or not, Don Lemon is a member of the press. Don Lemon has been in journalism for 30 years. Don Lemon worked at CNN for 17 years.’ He highlighted Lemon’s independent status, arguing it does not diminish his journalistic legitimacy after decades in the field.
Smith urged unity across the media landscape, saying, ‘I’m a member of the press too and ain’t no way in hell anyone in the field of journalism shouldn’t be supporting Don Lemon today. And that’s including anyone on the right. Anybody in journalism.’ He acknowledged the protest tactics might not have been ideal but insisted they did not justify the charges, declaring, ‘You support this, you don’t support the First Amendment. You don’t support freedom of the press.’
Court Proceedings and Lemon’s Response
During the Los Angeles hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Robbins sought a $100,000 bond, describing Lemon as having ‘knowingly joined a mob that stormed into a church.’ The judge denied the bond request, allowing Lemon to travel to France in June pending the case.
Lemon, who left CNN in 2023 after a challenging tenure as a morning host, now operates independently, posting content on YouTube and critiquing federal policies. He maintained no affiliation with the protest group, positioning himself solely as a journalist documenting events. His attorney, Abbe Lowell, stated, ‘Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done.’
Outside court, Lemon spoke defiantly to reporters, saying, ‘I will not be silenced. I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now. In fact there is no more important time than right now, this very moment, for a free and independent media that shines a light on the truth and holds those in power accountable.’ Defense attorney Marilyn Bednarski confirmed Lemon intends to plead not guilty and contest the charges in Minnesota.
The case has drawn criticism from media advocates and civil rights figures, including Rev. Al Sharpton, who accused the Trump administration of aggressively curtailing press freedoms.
