Former CNN presenter Don Lemon arrested, official says

Former CNN host Don Lemon has been arrested, a US Justice Department official familiar with the situation said.

Earlier this month, Lemon livestreamed a demonstration in St. Paul, Minnesota, that disrupted a church service protesting an immigration crackdown in the area backed by President Donald Trump’s administration.

Lemon’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, called his arrest “an unprecedented attack on the First Amendment.”

Lemon said he attended the demonstration as a journalist.

He said he was notified in advance but did not know that activists would disrupt the service.

He can be seen arguing with a congregation member about immigration enforcement.

It was not immediately clear what charge or charges Lemon faces in the Jan. 18 protest.

The arrest came after a magistrate judge last week rejected prosecutors’ initial offer to charge Lemon.

US administration officials quickly condemned the demonstration and accused the protesters of intimidating worshipers.

The Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

with AP