Don Lemon's Arrest: When Journalism Crosses into Activism

The arrest of former CNN anchor Don Lemon has ignited a national debate about press freedom, but here’s the real question we should be asking: “At what point does a journalist stop being a journalist and become an activist co-conspirator?”

Lemon wants you to believe he was simply doing his job—reporting on an ICE protest at a Minnesota church.

According to multiple sources including The Hill, Mediaite, and CNN, Lemon was at the staging area before activists moved to the church—his own footage confirms this. In the video, he tells viewers he can’t share much detail, suggesting he knew what was coming.

The most damning evidence comes directly from Lemon’s own YouTube channel, where he posted nearly seven hours of footage. At the beginning of his video, he makes several revealing statements:

• He states, “they’re planning an operation that I’m going to follow them on…”

• He explicitly says, “I can’t tell you exactly what they’re doing, but…”

• He said, “Again, we can’t tell you where they’re going…

You are a journalist and you can’t tell us what they’re doing or where they’re going? I thought you were reporting information.

He knew what they were doing and where they were going; he admitted that when he said, “I can’t” or “We can’t”—One minute and eight seconds into his video, Lemon said:

“After WE do this operation…”

Not “after they do this.” Not “after the protesters do this.”

That’s not the language of a journalist. That’s the language of a participant. That’s the language of someone who’s part of the plan.

In my opinion, this wasn’t breaking news. This was a coordinated media operation designed to maximize disruption and coverage—and to boost his YouTube numbers.

The Washington Post reported that Lemon joined activists before the protest, followed them to the church, entered during the disruption, and then conducted interviews. The fact that he entered during the service proves participation, not observation.

Lemon was involved in disrupting a worship service in progress. He didn’t wait outside. He didn’t schedule a meeting with church leadership. He didn’t wait until after the service, but chose to enter when it would interfere with people’s constitutional right to worship.

This was about creating a spectacle. This was about staying relevant.

Real journalism requires objectivity in “how” information is presented and transparency about what a journalist knows and when you he/she knows it. It is my belief Lemon violated these principles.

This case matters far beyond Lemon. We are losing the distinction between journalism and activism in this country, and that loss threatens the very foundation of free speech in a free society.

The press should act in a neutral, objective manner. When journalists become indistinguishable from the activists they’re supposedly covering, they forfeit their claim to public trust.

Listen to the entire episode on Truth Matters:

 

Sources:

1. The Hill – Coverage of Don Lemon’s arrest and presence at protest staging area

2. Mediaite - Reporting on Don Lemon’s involvement in Minnesota church protest

3. CNN – Coverage of Don Lemon arrest incident

4. Don Lemon YouTube Channel – DON LIVE ON THE SCENE: Live From Minneapolis

5. Washington Post – Reporting on Lemon’s timeline: joining activists, following them to church, entering during disruption, and conducting interviews