Attorney General Pam Bondi posted a pointed video message to social media Friday morning following the arrest of independent journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort, a move that immediately set off sharp reactions across the political spectrum.
Earlier Friday, Bondi announced the arrests in a public statement, saying federal agents had acted at her direction. According to Bondi, Lemon, Trahern Jeen Crews, Georgia Fort, and Jamael Lydell Lundy were taken into custody in connection with what she described as a coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Bondi said additional information would be released later.
Shortly after announcing the arrests, Bondi posted a video message reinforcing the administration’s stance. In the recording, she emphasized that Americans have the right to worship freely and safely, a right she said the Trump administration is committed to defending. Bondi warned that anyone who violates that right would face consequences, making clear that the administration intends to pursue such cases aggressively.
“Make no mistake,” Bondi said in the video. “Under President Trump’s leadership and this administration, you have the right to worship freely and safely. And if I haven’t been clear already, if you violate that sacred right, we are coming after you.”
The White House quickly reacted to Lemon’s arrest with a social media post that appeared to celebrate the development. The post included the phrase “When life gives you lemons…” alongside a silver chain emoji and featured a graphic reading “DON LEMON ARRESTED FOR INVOLVEMENT IN THE ST. PAUL CHURCH RIOTS” placed over a photo of Lemon.
Democratic lawmakers and officials responded with outrage, accusing the Trump administration of attacking press freedom and violating constitutional protections. Their statements flooded social media within hours of the arrests becoming public.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas accused President Donald Trump and Bondi of violating the Constitution and wasting taxpayer dollars. In a blunt post, she claimed the administration was targeting journalists while failing to hold other criminals accountable.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland went further, arguing that the arrests were part of what he characterized as a broader pattern of authoritarian behavior. He cited other actions by the administration and urged Americans to respond peacefully but urgently.
The office of California Gov. Gavin Newsom also weighed in, warning that journalists were being targeted and urging the public to speak out. Rep. Dan Goldman echoed those concerns, describing the arrests as bogus and claiming the First Amendment was under severe threat.
The contrasting reactions underscored the deep political divide surrounding the arrests. While the administration framed the action as a necessary response to an alleged attack on a place of worship, critics on the left portrayed it as an assault on press freedom and civil liberties.
As Bondi promised, more details about the arrests are expected. For now, the episode has ignited a fierce debate over law enforcement, religious freedom, and the boundaries of journalism under the Trump administration.
