Florida megachurch pastor arrested for holding crowded services Sunday – Fox News, Fox News
2k Views
Get all the latest news on coronavirus and more delivered daily to your inbox. Sign up here .
The Florida megachurch pastor who made national headlines for holding crowded services Sunday has been arrested Monday afternoon for defying government orders amid the coronavirus pandemic, Fox News has confirmed.
Rodney Howard -Browne , the pastor of The River at Tampa Bay Church, argued his congregation was essential, on par with Walmart. However, law enforcement officials, who said they tried to reason with him, disagreed, charging him with “unlawful assembly” and “violation of public health emergency order,” Fox reported.
“We’re hoping that this serves as a deterrent,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said during a news conference Monday alongside State Attorney Andrew Warren.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings