Smith fires back at Lemon arrest drama.

Stephen A. Smith spoke out with anger and frustration on Friday. He defended journalist Don Lemon after federal agents arrested Lemon in connection with a protest at a Minneapolis church. Smith used his YouTube show to call the case an attack on press freedom. He said anyone who supports the arrest does not support the First Amendment.

A federal grand jury in Minnesota indicted Lemon and eight other people. Prosecutors say the group disrupted a church service on January 18 during a protest against immigration policies. Authorities accuse Lemon of conspiracy and of interfering with the rights of worshipers. A judge in Los Angeles released Lemon without bail after a court appearance.

Stephen A. Smith strongly reacted and reminded people about Don Lemon’s long journalism career. He said Lemon still deserves to be called a journalist, even without working for a major network. Recently, Smith also got into a heated argument with a former ESPN analyst after making controversial comments about an ICE shooting case.

“Whether you like it or not, Don Lemon is a member of the press,” Smith said. “Don Lemon has been in journalism for 30 years. Don Lemon worked at CNN for 17 years.”

Smith rejected the idea that independence takes away credibility. He called the charges unfair and unnecessary. He urged other journalists to stand with Lemon.

“This is straight BS what he’s going through,” Smith said. “I’m a member of the press too and ain’t no way in hell anyone in the field of journalism shouldn’t be supporting Don Lemon today.”

Arrest Sparks Free Speech Debate

Don Lemon (Photo By Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
The case against Lemon has triggered strong reactions across the country. Civil rights leaders and media advocates criticized the Trump administration for the arrest. The Rev. Al Sharpton said the government uses a sledgehammer against the First Amendment.

Prosecutors argue Lemon joined a planned protest inside Cities Church in St. Paul. They claim he entered the church with activists and disrupted the pastor during a sermon. Court documents say the group shouted slogans and blew whistles. Prosecutors say church members felt fear and distress.

Lemon denies any wrongdoing. He told reporters outside the courthouse he will fight the charges. “I will not be silenced,” Lemon said. He vowed to continue his work as a journalist.

Defense attorney Marilyn Bednarski confirmed Lemon plans to plead not guilty. Another lawyer, Abbe Lowell, said Lemon acted as a journalist and nothing more. Lowell insisted Lemon simply covered a public event.

Lemon explained his role during the livestream from the church. “I’m not here as an activist. I’m here as a journalist,” he said at the time.

Smith acknowledged he might not have handled the situation the same way. But he argued the government response went too far. He ended his comments with a blunt message.

“You support this, you don’t support the First Amendment,” Smith said. “You don’t support freedom of the press.”

The legal fight now moves to Minnesota. Lemon prepares for the next stage of the case. Smith and many others continue to watch closely.