Bondi warns violators of 'sacred right’ of worship after Don Lemon arrest: 'We are coming after you'

WASHINGTON, DC: Attorney General Pam Bondi escalated the fallout from Don Lemon’s arrest by posting a stern video warning anyone who violates the right to worship. 

In the video, Bondi announced federal charges against the former CNN anchor, accusing him of conspiring to disrupt a church service in Minnesota during an anti-ICE protest on January 18. Prosecutors allege the actions violated worshippers’ First Amendment rights under federal statutes 18 USC §§ 241 and 248. Notably, Lemon was released on January 30 without having to post bail.

Pam Bondi says Trump administration will aggressively protect religious freedom

Earlier Friday, Bondi announced the arrests, writing, “At my direction, early this morning, federal agents arrested Don Lemon, Trahern Jeen Crews, Georgia Fort, and Jamael Lydell Lundy, in connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.” She added, “More details soon,” before releasing a video message.

In the recording, Bondi warned that the administration would aggressively protect religious freedom. “Make no mistake, under President Trump’s leadership and this administration, you have the right to worship freely and safely,” she said. “And if I haven’t been clear already, if you violate that sacred right, we are coming after you.”

The White House quickly celebrated Lemon’s arrest, posting, “When life gives you lemons…” alongside a silver chain emoji. The post also included a graphic reading “Don Lemon arrested for involvement in the St Paul Church Riots,” over a photo of Lemon.

Democratic lawmakers express frustration with Trump administration after Don Lemon’s arrest

Democratic lawmakers flooded social media with posts accusing the Trump administration of trampling on the Constitution’s protections for a free press.

Rep Jasmine Crockett (D‑TX) wrote, “Donald Trump and Pam Bondi once again violated the Constitution. They’re wasting your tax dollars arresting journalists — while protecting p********s and the murderers of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. That’s authoritarian bulls**t.”

Senator Chris Van Hollen (D‑MD) wrote, “Arresting journalists doing their jobs, sending the DNI to raid election offices in GA, unleashing fed agents that kill Americans & then cover it up. Trump’s authoritarian takeover is quickening. We must respond like the people of Minneapolis —peacefully but with fierce urgency."

Governor Gavin Newsom’s (D‑CA) office posted, “They raided a reporter’s home earlier this month. Today, they arrested journalists. They are coming for you. Speak out.”

Rep Dan Goldman (D‑NY) wrote, "Journalists arrested on bogus charges; citizens executed in the streets by masked secret police; election offices raided at the direction of an intelligence agency; oil executives notified of a military invasion before Congress."

Goldman added, "Putin’s America is here. I’m confident Don will prevail, but make no mistake: the First Amendment is under its greatest threat since our founding.”