Don Lemon made his first appearance in a Los Angeles court today — and he’s already back on the streets… because a judge released him without bail.
Lemon appeared in court in a crisp, all-white suit…waving and smiling to supporters – and winking at her husband at one point.
He was summoned to court in Minnesota on Monday…and his lawyer said he was “determined to fight this case and not go anywhere.”
However, the judge allowed Lemon to travel… allowing him to go to France during the summer for a boat trip with friends, as long as the trip did not conflict with the court’s schedule. He must obviously respect the general conditions of probation.
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Mayor of Los Angeles Karen Bass told Lemon and the gathered crowd that politicians would stand behind him and ensure he can continue to cover important stories across the country.
Mayor Bass made it clear that there was a difference between the reporters covering the protest at the church and the protesters who showed up at the church to make a statement…and people should keep that in mind instead of throwing them all in the same bucket.
The mayor added that if it can happen to one journalist, it can happen to everyone…so every journalist needs to watch their back. We’re waiting for Don to leave the courthouse and perhaps speak to the media.
Lemon’s next court date is February 9.
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Don’s husband, Tim Maloneshowed up in court to support the journalist… while keeping his thoughts to himself while appearing in front of the cameras.
As we reported, Lemon was charged with violating a federal law by interfering with worship during a January anti-ICE protest at Cities Church in Minneapolis on January 18.
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In a statement on FridayAttorney General of the United States Pam Bondi said… “At my direction, early this morning, federal agents arrested Lemon, Trahern Jeen Crews, Fort GeorgiaAnd Jamaël Lydell Lundyin connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.
His lawyer, Father Lowellsounded Friday morning – claiming that Don was there as a journalist, protected by the First Amendment, and that his arrest was a distraction for the Trump administration investigating the murders of Renee Bonne And Alex Pretti at the hands of federal immigration agents in Minneapolis.
As we told you — the feds originally I tried to load 8 people linked to Cities Church protest, including Don… but a magistrate judge only approved charges for 3, and Lemon was not part of it.
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Don was in Los Angeles covering Grammys weekend when all this happened — so now it’s a waiting game to see how this legal drama collides with his awards season plans.