HOUSTON – The Harris County Attorney’s Office is raising concerns following the arrest of journalist Don Lemon and three other individuals during an anti-immigration protest at a church in Minnesota.
In a statement released Friday, Harris County Attorney Jonathan Fombonne called Lemon’s arrest “deeply troubling,” arguing it violates constitutional protections afforded to members of the press.
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“Journalism is not a crime; it’s protected by the First Amendment,” Fombonne said. “The United States Attorney General, like every other law enforcement official, has sworn an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. This arrest violates that oath.”
Fombonne went on to warn that arresting journalists for doing their jobs undermines fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
“Jailing journalists for doing their job strikes at the heart of the First Amendment, and everyone watching this unfold should be troubled by this blatant infringement on one of our fundamental rights,” he said.
Details surrounding the arrests, including the specific charges and circumstances at the Minnesota church, have not been released by the Harris County Attorney’s Office. Authorities in Minnesota have not yet publicly responded to the criticism.