JAWS Stands with Arrested Journalists
(January 30, 2026) - Journalism & Women Symposium (JAWS) is appalled that two members of the media have been arrested as a result of news gathering activities.
Attorney General Pam Bondi on Friday morning posted on X that journalists Georgia Fort and Don Lemon were arrested at her direction “in connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church.”
According to reports, both are facing charges related to their attendance at the Jan. 18 demonstration at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Fort recorded a video message on Facebook this morning saying agents were at her door with an arrest warrant.
"As a member of the press, I filmed the church protest a few weeks ago and now I'm being arrested for that," Fort said in her video message. "It's hard to understand how we have a Constitution, constitutional rights, when you can just be arrested for being a member of the press.”
JAWS joins the National Association of Black Journalists as a signatory on its news release affirming that journalism is not a crime.
“Journalists, as well as members of the public, must be allowed to document protests without consequence as part of our First Amendment rights,” said Tanya Gazdik, president of JAWS, a national nonprofit membership organization that supports and advocates for women journalists. “Bottom line, an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. None of us can afford to remain silent.”
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About Journalism & Women Symposium
JAWS has supported journalists, journalism educators and researchers from across the country since 1985. Members meet in person and online to share resources, support, training and information about the issues that affect women in the industry. JAWS advances the professional empowerment and personal growth of women in journalism and advocates for more inclusive coverage of the diverse experiences and cultures that comprise our society. Become a member today.