MN - Journalist Don Lemon arrested for church protest, Minneapolis, 18 Jan 2026

[nhmemorymaker]

I've known countless Christian law enforcement over the years and there is no disparity whatsoever between being a Christian and enforcing the law of the land. In fact, there are multiple associations and fellowships both in the US and Canada, of Christian Law Enforcement and every single member would say the exact same thing.

Lemon's "I've Had It" podcast interview with Jennifer Welch posted after the protest (linked earlier in the thread) explained that that church was targetted in part because in his opinion, they're "entitled white supremacists". His very words. While I find his accusation completely racist, outrageous and untrue, he didn't seem to think the protest was about disparity. He gave the impression the church members deserved to have their service interrupted. It's truly mind blowing that anyone can defend this guy.

jmo

" It's truly mind blowing that anyone can defend this guy."

Defending freedom is a long game. I can't imagine anyone not being behind this overall.... even with some of the tactics.
The loss is just too great these days.

I have never really loved Don Lemon. But I,, personally, do now. Journalists are suffering more and more with the consolidation of so much media under single entities. No one benefits from single voice.... WE NEED MANY VOICES.

Former CNN anchor and independent journalist Don Lemon hopes that his arrest will be an example of the sacrifices that journalists must be prepared to make — including being willing to fight for freedom of the press nationwide.

Don Lemon is ready to stand up for press freedoms. Are the rest of us? - Poynter

The former CNN anchor and independent journalist spoke about attacks on the free press while advising student journalists

www.poynter.org

 

[Ontario Mom]

DBM

 

[PrairieWind]

Yes, but as a reminder, the official organizations that many many law enforcement people join are much more includsive, and specifically non-Christian for reasons of inclusivity. (FOE, NAPO, FLEOA) . Inclusivity is a more powerful reason for joining in my mind. BUT the freedom to have the more exclusive membership, is the basic right we are all talking about here.

moo,of course.

They didn't go after other organizations though. They went after the church. I think it pretty much been admitted that the goal was not to confront the ICE agent they believed was a pastor, but to attack the church and its congregants that morning. If the ICE agent was also a substitute teacher, would it have been ok to do this to a school he taught at? Regardless, I think the case against the defendants is clear. DL and his buddy can make their journalist claim, we will see where that goes, but the others are cooked.

 

[Sundog]

Yes, but as a reminder, the official organizations that many many law enforcement people join are much more includsive, and specifically non-Christian for reasons of inclusivity. (FOE, NAPO, FLEOA) . Inclusivity is a more powerful reason for joining in my mind. BUT the freedom to have the more exclusive membership, is the basic right we are all talking about here.

moo,of course.

Agree, but the church isn't an official organization, it is Christians who are members of the church. These are personal choices and affiliations. And the church is not exclusive, by any means. All are welcome to join the church and worship along with others who have the same beliefs. Same with law enforcement officers who are of the Jewish faith, Muslim faith, etc. These are personal affiliations where LE, like all of us, worship and practice our faith.

 

[PrairieWind]

" It's truly mind blowing that anyone can defend this guy."

Defending freedom is a long game. I can't imagine anyone not being behind this overall.... even with some of the tactics.
The loss is just too great these days.

I have never really loved Don Lemon. But I,, personally, do now. Journalists are suffering more and more with the consolidation of so much media under single entities. No one benefits from single voice.... WE NEED MANY VOICES.

Former CNN anchor and independent journalist Don Lemon hopes that his arrest will be an example of the sacrifices that journalists must be prepared to make — including being willing to fight for freedom of the press nationwide.

Don Lemon is ready to stand up for press freedoms. Are the rest of us? - Poynter

The former CNN anchor and independent journalist spoke about attacks on the free press while advising student journalists

www.poynter.org

Press freedom has never been higher than right now. Yes, corporate media has consolidated. But internet and podcasts allow for soooooo many more new sources now. It is ridiculous to say freedom of the press is threatened. DL CHOSE to be part of a criminal action that he took part in. He should have been more careful, stayed outside, but he chose to enter and participate in the disruption of the church service. Being a journalist doesn't mean you get a free pass on criminal actions.