Don Lemon made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Monday evening, and shared some insight into how he’s feeling after being arrested last week.
During the discussion, Lemon recounted being confused as FBI agents arrested him in a Los Angeles hotel for his role in a Minnesota church protest. The Department of Justice has argued Lemon, and other protestors, broke the FACE Act, which prohibits the disruption of religious services.
Lemon told Kimmel that his lawyers had contacted federal authorities and offered to turn himself in. However, he claimed they received no response until after he was arrested.
Kimmel called the situation a waste of resources, which Don Lemon agreed with.
“Well, you’re right about more than just a waste of resources,” said Lemon. “They want that. They want to embarrass you, they want to intimidate you, and they want to instill fear. So that’s why they did it that way.”
When asked how he was processing the situation, Don Lemon shared that he was unsure.
“I don’t know – that’s an honest answer,” Lemon said. “I’m ok. I’m not going to let them steal my joy. But this is very serious. These are federal criminal charges.”
Don Lemon has continually asserted that he was not a protester, but rather serving as a journalist covering the event.
His attorney — Abbe Lowell — has shared that he will defend himself to the fullest extent possible.
“This unprecedented attack on the First Amendment and transparent attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration will not stand,” Lowell said in the aftermath of Lemon’s arrest last week. “Don will fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court.”
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