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
Security for Minneapolis Council totaled $152K
The final bill is in for taxpayer funded private security for three Minneapolis City Council members: $152,400.
City asks Minneapolis police to change schedule, accept furloughs
As the Minneapolis City Council considers defunding the police department, city negotiators are asking the police union to accept scheduling changes and furloughs in their expired labor contract.
150 Minneapolis police officers seeking disability for PTSD following riots
At least 150 Minneapolis Police Officers have begun the process of seeking ‘duty disability’ for post-traumatic stress under the Minnesota Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA), said an attorney representing the officers.
(In)Security: Unrest saw surge in unlicensed security
In the grief and chaos of that last week in May, when 911 calls went unanswered and police were nowhere to be found, some saw an opportunity to make money, as private security agents.
Chaplain is godsend for dying patients and families at COVID hospital
Tom Johnson was forced to say goodbye to his sister through an iPad.
Minneapolis Council members get private security after threats
The City of Minneapolis is spending $4,500 a day for private security for three council members who have received threats following the police killing of George Floyd, FOX 9 has learned.
Kroll: Minneapolis police union has become 'scapegoat' following Floyd death
Since the killing of George Floyd, the Minneapolis police union has been noticeably quiet. Now, nearly a month after his death, union leaders are breaking their silence.
What happened to the ‘outside agitators'?: Former FBI Agent details intelligence failures
For the last month, law enforcement has stitched together a rogues’ gallery of suspects from the riots and arsons in the wake of the killing of George Floyd.
Changes anticipated for police licensing board in Minnesota
In the wake of protests over the police killing of George Floyd, many are asking whether police can really be trusted to police themselves.
The Siege of the 3rd Precinct: An anarchist playbook
For those looking for symbolism, there was no better prize: A police precinct in middle America, ransacked and on fire.