Don Lemon, Journalist Georgia Fort Arrested Over Protest

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, January 30, 2026 | 1:49pm CT

Don Lemon

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon and Minnesota independent journalist Georgia Fort were among four people arrested by federal agents in connection with a protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, according to statements from the U.S. Department of Justice and multiple media reports.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the arrests were made "in connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul," where a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official serves as pastor. Lemon was taken into custody in Los Angeles, where his attorney said he was covering the Grammy Awards, while Fort was arrested in Minnesota.

The arrests stem from a January protest in which demonstrators entered the church during a worship service. Lemon and Fort have both said they were present in a journalistic capacity, documenting the demonstration. Lemon live-streamed portions of the event, while Fort said she filmed the protest as a member of the press.

Last week, a federal magistrate judge declined to approve an arrest warrant for Lemon, citing a lack of evidence. However, prosecutors proceeded with arrests this week, charging three of the four individuals with violating a federal law that prohibits obstruction of places of worship or abortion clinics. As of Friday, the specific charges against Lemon had not been publicly unsealed.

Lemon's attorney, Abbe Lowell, called the arrest "an unprecedented attack on the First Amendment" and said his client would "fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court." Lemon, who left CNN in 2023 after a 17-year tenure, has since worked as an independent journalist and commentator.

The arrests prompted swift criticism from press freedom advocates and journalism organizations. In a statement, the Radio Television Digital News Association said the First Amendment "is unambiguous" and demanded that all charges against Lemon and Fort be dropped immediately, calling on the administration to reconsider what it described as "dangerous rhetoric and actions toward those who seek to inform their communities."

Additional condemnation came from former colleagues, members of Congress, and media organizations, while Justice Department officials declined to comment further, citing sealed charges. Lemon is expected to make a court appearance, and the case is likely to test the boundaries between protest activity, law enforcement authority, and press protections under the First Amendment.