Stephen A. Smith Voices Strong Support for Arrested Journalist Don Lemon
Stephen A. Smith has strongly condemned the arrest of journalist Don Lemon, asserting that anyone endorsing the action undermines the First Amendment. Smith, a prominent sports commentator, expressed his views passionately on his YouTube channel, emphasizing Lemon’s long-standing career in journalism.
Lemon, 59, appeared in a Los Angeles court on Friday facing federal charges tied to his reporting on anti-ICE protests at a Minneapolis church earlier this month. Authorities released him without bail. The charges include conspiracy and interference with the First Amendment rights of worshippers at the Cities Church in St. Paul, where a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official serves as pastor.
Smith’s Fiery Commentary on Journalism and Rights
In his animated address, Smith highlighted Lemon’s credentials, noting his 30 years in the field, including 17 at a major network. ‘Whether you like it or not, Don Lemon is a member of the press,’ Smith stated. ‘And just because you don’t have a specific organization that you’re working for, that’s where the word independence comes from. It doesn’t mean that your journalism credentials are stripped. Not when you’ve been doing it for decades like him. This is straight BS what he’s going through.’
Smith, who identifies as a member of the press himself, urged solidarity across the industry. ‘Ain’t no way in hell anyone in the field of journalism shouldn’t be supporting Don Lemon today. And that’s including anyone on the right. Anybody in journalism,’ he said. He acknowledged potential risks in Lemon’s actions but maintained they did not justify the arrest. ‘I’m not saying it was wise, I’m not saying I would have done it. But it don’t warrant this. You support this, you don’t support the First Amendment. You don’t support freedom of the press.’
Details of the Incident and Charges
A grand jury in Minnesota indicted Lemon and eight others for their roles in the January 18 protest. Prosecutors allege the group planned the disruption via social media and a pre-protest briefing in a parking lot. Lemon reportedly live-streamed the event, describing it as a ‘resistance’ operation against federal immigration policies while urging secrecy among participants.
Inside the church, the group interrupted the service with shouts, whistles, and aggressive gestures, creating an atmosphere perceived as threatening by the pastor and congregants. Lemon engaged the pastor in questions to amplify the protesters’ message and later commented on a distressed young man’s reaction during the livestream, calling the scene traumatic.
In Los Angeles court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Robbins sought a $100,000 bond, describing Lemon as someone who ‘knowingly joined a mob that stormed into a church.’ The judge denied the bond request, allowing Lemon to travel to France in June pending the case.
Lemon’s Defiant Response and Legal Strategy
Footage from the protest shows Lemon debating the pastor, invoking constitutional rights: ‘There’s a Constitution and a First Amendment, and freedom of speech and freedom to assemble and protest.’ Lemon clarified he had no ties to the protest group and acted solely as an independent journalist documenting the events.
After the hearing, Lemon addressed reporters with resolve. ‘I will not be silenced,’ he declared. ‘I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now. In fact there is no more important time than right now, this very moment, for a free and independent media that shines a light on the truth and holds those in power accountable.’
Defense attorney Marilyn Bednarski confirmed Lemon intends to plead not guilty and contest the charges in Minnesota. His lawyer, Abbe Lowell, emphasized Lemon’s protected journalistic work: ‘Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done.’
The case has drawn backlash from media advocates and civil rights figures, including Rev. Al Sharpton, who criticized the Trump administration for aggressively targeting press freedoms.
