Louisiana pastor cited for defying coronavirus order hosts hundreds on Palm Sunday

A Louisiana pastor accused of violating government orders to limit crowds during the coronavirus pandemic hosted hundreds of churchgoers on Palm Sunday, according to police.

Pastor Tony Spell welcomed worshipers at Life Tabernacle Church in Central, near Baton Rouge.

Spell has already been hit with six misdemeanors for the six services he has held since March 16 when Gov. John Bel Edwards announced an order against gatherings of more than 50 people.

Spell, who could not immediately be reached Monday, has previously said that the public health orders are a threat to religious freedoms and constitutional rights.

T9R

Article URL : https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/louisiana-pastor-cited-defying-coronavirus-order-hosts-hundreds-palm-sunday-n1177751