Tom Lyden
Tom Lyden has covered, and uncovered, some of the biggest stories in the Twin Cities in the last 26 years. His reports have led to new laws, put criminals behind bars, led to a politician's resignation, and a governor's open hostility.
In the last few years, Tom has focused on in-depth reporting as part of the FOX 9 Investigators. He uncovered a religious cult operating in Minnesota who’s leader, Victor Barnard, sexually assaulted his underage followers. His reporting lead to an international manhunt for Barnard, resulting in his capture, conviction, and incarceration.
His reporting on the mysterious death of conspiracy filmmaker David Crowley was also featured in a full length documentary.
Tom is part of FOX 9’s "jump team" to cover news far from home. He’s brought home stories to Minnesota viewers from New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, the massacre at Virginia Tech, and the hunt for serial killer Andrew Cunanan in Miami.
Tom has won more than 20 Regional Emmy Awards, and five Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for his reporting.
Tom graduated from Lewis and Clark College (B.A. International Affairs) in Portland, OR., and he has a masters degree in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
He started his journalism career in newspapers at the Daily Star Progress in La Habra, CA.
Tom is an obsessive tennis fan and a moderately good player (3.8 USTA rating). He lives in Minneapolis with his husband, Fred.
The latest from Tom Lyden
Minnesota Untold: Black & Blue
The election of Charles Stenvig in 1969 marked a turning point for the Minneapolis Police Department.
Buffalo man accused of assaulting 18-month-old child
A Buffalo man was charged Wednesday with sexually assaulting an 18-month-old girl at her parent’s home and videotaping the assault.
Police association sues Chauvin 'bodyguard'
An association representing Minnesota police officers has filed a lawsuit against a Wright County man who was part of the private security detail for the trial of former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin.
Police group disputes account of Derek Chauvin 'bodyguard'
An association representing Minnesota police officers is disputing an account from a man who claims he was a bodyguard for Derek Chauvin during the former Minneapolis police officer’s trial.
Federal Courts: ‘Highly Sensitive’ documents kept in ‘air-gap’
The most sensitive and secret information in Minnesota’s federal court system is now kept in a locked room, on an ‘air-gapped’ computer in St. Paul, without access to the internet following the "SolarWinds" cyber-attack on the U.S. federal government that was uncovered in December 2020.
Mahdi Ali: 'I’m Not the One'
Mahdi Ali was only a teenager when he was convicted 11 years ago of killing three men in a botched robbery of the Seward Market in Minneapolis.
Judge scolds Minnesota AG in Chauvin leak case
A federal judge’s investigation into who leaked information about a grand jury looking into former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, has led to a sharp scolding of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Metro Transit officers placed on leave
FOX 9 has learned two top-ranking officials with the Metro Transit Police Department are on administrative leave pending an investigation into their involvement with a volunteer community program.
YouTuber charged with assaulting woman in Minnesota
A YouTube influencer who records video confrontations with public officials was charged Tuesday with assaulting a woman police had been assisting during a mental health call.
Eagan Police photos document Rep. Thompson alleged assault aftermath
As lawmakers continue to call for his resignation, Minnesota Rep. John Thompson has questioned the authenticity of domestic assault police reports. But, photos provided by the Eagan Police Department appear to show Thompson in a 2004 case.