Don Lemon ‘Ain’t Even Worried’ About Getting Locked Up After Arrest
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon appeared defiant and unapologetic after his arrest in Los Angeles, declaring on his show that he wasn’t concerned about the possibility of jail time and vowing to become even more outspoken in the coming days.
Lemon was arrested following his alleged role in a Minneapolis protest that disrupted a Sunday church service. Authorities say he entered the sanctuary alongside the “first wave of agitators” and took part in menacing behavior directed at congregants and clergy. But Lemon continues to insist he was present merely as an “independent journalist” documenting the protest.
DON LEMON: “I know there are people who think I’m gonna be locked up or whatever. I ain’t worried about that. I ain’t even worried about that.” pic.twitter.com/gkFezhl2XK
— BensonNewsHub (@BensonNewsHub) February 1, 2026
“I have so many thoughts,” Lemon said on his program, addressing the arrest. “And what this did was really open my eyes to a lot. So if you think that I was outspoken before this…” He then paused, let out a theatrical laugh, and added, “Just wait. Just wait.”
Lemon brushed off the legal consequences with a casual, “I ain’t even worried about that. You heard the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” The broadcast’s chyron at the time read, “Republicans better wake up. A dictator doesn’t need Congress.”
He went on to say, “Whatever happens — I always think something good is going to happen. And something good usually does if you have that mindset.”
The grand jury indictment against Lemon paints a more serious picture. It alleges that he entered the church aggressively with other agitators, threatened congregants, chanted at the pastor, blocked people from moving freely inside the building, and created a chaotic and intimidating atmosphere. The incident occurred during a protest tied to anti-ICE activism, and several of those involved were arrested in the following days.
President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, addressed Lemon’s arrest with no sympathy. “He’s a sleazebag! Everyone’s known that. He’s washed up,” Trump said. “Probably from his standpoint, the best thing that could happen to him. He had no viewers. He was a failed host. And now, he’s in the news. I didn’t know anything about it.”
Lemon was one of several individuals indicted by a grand jury in relation to the church protest. The charges have sparked renewed debate over the line between journalism and activism, particularly when public safety and religious institutions are involved. While Lemon remains defiant, the legal process is only just beginning, and federal prosecutors have indicated they will pursue the case vigorously.