Former CNN host Don Lemon cast himself as a persecuted journalist in a Substack post Saturday, quoting the Bible while responding to his arrest last month on federal charges stemming from an anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church.

Lemon, who was released without bail Friday, says he was acting as a journalist, while prosecutors allege he coordinated with activists who disrupted services at Cities Church.

“There is a passage in scripture that says, ‘The truth shall set you free,’” Lemon wrote, quoting John 8:32. “But it does not say it will protect you from cages. It does not say it will spare you the consequences of seeing too clearly. It does not say it will make the powerful comfortable.”

Lemon said he learned that lesson “not from theology, but from experience,” writing that “the government decided that my work as a journalist was not protected speech, but punishable.”

WASHINGTON POST CALLS MN CHURCH PROTEST AN ‘ASSAULT ON RELIGIOUS LIBERTY,’ DON LEMON AN ‘INTERNET PROVOCATEUR’

Throughout the post, Lemon likened his arrest to historic efforts to silence journalists and civil rights figures, writing that press freedom only exists so long as it does not challenge those in power.

Lemon wrote that America “loves the idea of a free press,” but only so long as journalism does not “disturb comfort” or “expose what power would rather conceal,” saying the First Amendment exists to protect accountability, not convenience.

Prosecutors charged Lemon with conspiracy to deprive rights and a FACE Act violation stemming from his involvement in an anti-ICE protest that disrupted church services in Minnesota.

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Lemon drew attention earlier this month after livestreaming activists who entered St. Paul’s Cities Church during Sunday services, and has said he was present in a journalistic capacity, while the indictment alleges he coordinated with protest organizers prior to their arrival.

According to a federal affidavit dated Jan. 20, parishioners told investigators that agitators blocked stairwells and aisles inside the church, preventing parents from reaching children in a downstairs childcare area and making it difficult for worshipers to leave the sanctuary.

One parishioner reported fearing the agitators may have been armed after hearing shouting that sounded like the word “shoot.”

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Other churchgoers described agitators yelling in the faces of parishioners, including women and young children, causing some children to cry.

One woman fell and was injured as worshipers fled through a side exit, according to the affidavit.

The affidavit alleges the group entered the church in a coordinated manner, disrupted the service and intimidated parishioners, forcing it to be cut short.

During the incident, video reviewed by investigators shows a church pastor asking one individual to leave the building, saying he needed to “take care of my church and my family.”

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The pastor appeared visibly distressed as activists continued to confront him, according to the affidavit.

Despite those allegations, Lemon compared his arrest to the treatment of civil rights leaders and journalists he said were punished for challenging power, citing Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and James Baldwin.

DETROIT – A man is accused of carjacking a victim who told officers he met the suspect on social media. According to Detroit Police, the suspect then fired shots as the victim tried to stop him.

According to a federal complaint, police responded to the carjacking on Jan. 28, 2026, on West Chicago near Southfield on Detroit’s west side.

When officers arrived, they were met by the victim, who told police that his 2018 Ford Escape was stolen by a black male whom he had met on X.

Police said the victim arrived at an apartment complex on West Chicago around 11:30 that night, and the suspect, later identified as Jabari McMullin, got into his SUV.

They drove to a nearby parking lot, but after about 30 minutes, McMullin announced “that he was robbing him.”

McMullin “produced a pistol” and allegedly told the victim: “this is one of those situations,” before demanding money, cards and a phone.

He then had the victim pull up account balances.

When the victim opened an account, McMullin allegedly warned, “It’s about to go down if you don’t do what I say.”

According to investigators, the victim got out as McMullin slid into the driver’s seat, but the Escape became stuck in the snow.

When the victim came back to the door and grabbed the handle, McMullin “stuck his arm and pistol out the window and fired two shots.” Police said the victim then went to a gas station and called 911.

Later, police said License Plate Reader alerts picked up the SUV near M-39 and Joy. Michigan State Police tried to stop it, but the driver fled.

McMullin was caught “after a short foot pursuit,” police said, and “a black pistol” was discovered in plain view inside the SUV.

During an interview the next day, McMullin allegedly admitted he chose to rob the victim “since he needed money.” Police said McMullin admitted to bringing the pistol and to firing it when the victim grabbed the door.

He also said he saw state police coming, “knew he was going to jail,” and “decided to run,” according to the complaint.

Federal investigators said the Ford Escape that was taken at gunpoint was made outside the state of Michigan — in Louisville, Kentucky, which means it was “transported in interstate commerce” under the carjacking statute.

McMullin appeared before a federal magistrate for his initial appearance, charging him with carjacking and discharging of a firearm for furtherance of a crime of violence.

He is scheduled for a detention hearing on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026.

MILWAUKEE – A shooting in Milwaukee on Monday, Feb. 2 left one person wounded. 

What we know:

According to police, a 67-year-old was shot at approximately 3:24 a.m. in the area of 35th and Highland. 

The shooting victim was taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries.

The circumstances leading up to the shooting are under investigation. 

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MPD tips

What you can do:

Milwaukee police are looking for those responsible.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-Tips or P3 Tips.