Florida Pastor Arrested for Violating Safer-At-Home Order Amid Virus Outbreak

Florida officials have arrested the pastor of a megachurch, Rodney Howard-Browne, after detectives allege he held two Sunday services with hundreds of people, violating a safer-at-home order aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus. Howard-Browne turned himself in to authorities in Hernando County on Monday, where he was charged with unlawful assembly and violation of a public health emergency order. Bail was set at $500, and he was released after posting bond.

Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister stated that he negotiated with Howard-Browne’s attorney to ensure his surrender to Hernando County authorities. The pastor’s church, The River at Tampa Bay, is located in Tampa. Chronister emphasized that his command staff had previously met with church leaders to discuss the risks of not adhering to social distancing guidelines, yet Howard-Browne proceeded with the services. The Sheriff’s Office also placed a digital sign near the church driveway urging congregants to practice social distancing.

Chronister expressed disappointment with the pastor, his legal team, and the church leadership for forcing law enforcement to act during a declared state of emergency. “We are hopeful that this will be a wakeup call,” he said. The church has maintained that it sanitized its facilities and classified itself as an essential business, a stance echoed by Howard-Browne, who criticized the media for what he called “religious bigotry and hate.”

County and state orders require gatherings, including those by faith-based groups, to be limited to fewer than 10 people to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. A live stream of the Sunday service showed numerous congregants, despite the restrictions. Howard-Browne posted on Facebook that the coronavirus “is blown totally way out of proportion.” The church had previously labeled its ministry as essential, similar to police and firefighters, and announced it would remain open.

In a Facebook video, Howard-Browne hinted at potential legal action, stating, “it looks like we’re going to have to go to court over this because the church is encroached from every side.” This incident reflects a broader trend, as churches in Ohio, Kentucky, and Louisiana have also continued in-person services, with at least six states offering some exemption for religious activities in their pandemic restrictions.

Source: Read the original report