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Pastor Faces Assault Charge After Dispute With Protester Over Social Distancing Pastor Faces Assault Charge After Dispute With Protester Over Social Distancing
(about 8 hours later)
A pastor at a Louisiana megachurch who was previously cited for defying the state’s coronavirus stay-at-home orders is facing an aggravated assault charge after he backed up a bus toward a protester outside the church on Sunday, the authorities said on Monday.A pastor at a Louisiana megachurch who was previously cited for defying the state’s coronavirus stay-at-home orders is facing an aggravated assault charge after he backed up a bus toward a protester outside the church on Sunday, the authorities said on Monday.
The pastor, Tony Spell, of Life Tabernacle Church, did not hit the man, but the police in Central, La., near Baton Rouge, said that they obtained an arrest warrant for Pastor Spell, 42, after reviewing video footage of the episode and interviewing the protester and a witness. The bus came within five to seven feet of the man, the authorities said.The pastor, Tony Spell, of Life Tabernacle Church, did not hit the man, but the police in Central, La., near Baton Rouge, said that they obtained an arrest warrant for Pastor Spell, 42, after reviewing video footage of the episode and interviewing the protester and a witness. The bus came within five to seven feet of the man, the authorities said.
Pastor Spell turned himself in on Tuesday and was taken to East Baton Rouge Parish Prison, where he was released later in the day on bail, according to the police. The assault charge carries a maximum sentence of six months in prison. He was also charged with improper backing of the bus and for two outstanding traffic ticket warrants, the authorities said.Pastor Spell turned himself in on Tuesday and was taken to East Baton Rouge Parish Prison, where he was released later in the day on bail, according to the police. The assault charge carries a maximum sentence of six months in prison. He was also charged with improper backing of the bus and for two outstanding traffic ticket warrants, the authorities said.
“He was protesting the church staying open,” Darren Sibley, the assistant police chief of Central, said of the man confronted by Pastor Spell, whom he would not name.“He was protesting the church staying open,” Darren Sibley, the assistant police chief of Central, said of the man confronted by Pastor Spell, whom he would not name.
Pastor Spell said on Monday night that he had done nothing wrong. He added that he had retained the former judge Roy S. Moore, who lost his bid for the U.S. Senate in Alabama in 2017, as one of his lawyers.Pastor Spell said on Monday night that he had done nothing wrong. He added that he had retained the former judge Roy S. Moore, who lost his bid for the U.S. Senate in Alabama in 2017, as one of his lawyers.
“For the past 36 days, a protester has parked at my church entrance shouting obscenities, immoral crotch grabbing directed at my church women and children,” Pastor Spell wrote in a text message. “Our law enforcement have not responded to our complaints against this sinister individual.”“For the past 36 days, a protester has parked at my church entrance shouting obscenities, immoral crotch grabbing directed at my church women and children,” Pastor Spell wrote in a text message. “Our law enforcement have not responded to our complaints against this sinister individual.”
Upon his release on Tuesday, Pastor Spell was greeted by supporters who cheered for him outside the prison, according to footage taken by a local television station. Pastor Spell said he would continue to hold church services.Upon his release on Tuesday, Pastor Spell was greeted by supporters who cheered for him outside the prison, according to footage taken by a local television station. Pastor Spell said he would continue to hold church services.
“My rights to have church and to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ are endowed to me by my creator, not my district attorney, not my chief of police and not my governor, John Bel Edwards, not my president and not my Department of Justice,” Pastor Spell said. “I cannot give up those rights. God forbids me to give up those rights.”“My rights to have church and to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ are endowed to me by my creator, not my district attorney, not my chief of police and not my governor, John Bel Edwards, not my president and not my Department of Justice,” Pastor Spell said. “I cannot give up those rights. God forbids me to give up those rights.”
Pastor Spell has made headlines for defying Louisiana’s emergency order banning public gatherings and for directing his followers to give their stimulus checks from the federal government to evangelists, missionaries and music ministers.Pastor Spell has made headlines for defying Louisiana’s emergency order banning public gatherings and for directing his followers to give their stimulus checks from the federal government to evangelists, missionaries and music ministers.
On March 31, local police served Pastor Spell with a misdemeanor summons on six counts of violating the governor’s emergency orders — one for each time that they said he had held church services in defiance of the orders. Pastor Spell, who said his 80,000-square-foot church has 9,800 members, posted a video of that exchange on YouTube, in which he could be seen blessing the two officers who served him.On March 31, local police served Pastor Spell with a misdemeanor summons on six counts of violating the governor’s emergency orders — one for each time that they said he had held church services in defiance of the orders. Pastor Spell, who said his 80,000-square-foot church has 9,800 members, posted a video of that exchange on YouTube, in which he could be seen blessing the two officers who served him.
Pastor Spell said he would be exonerated because of the video showing the episode, which was shared on Twitter by the local news media. The pastor said he had confronted the protester after the man shouted obscenities at his wife and at young girls who were on the bus.Pastor Spell said he would be exonerated because of the video showing the episode, which was shared on Twitter by the local news media. The pastor said he had confronted the protester after the man shouted obscenities at his wife and at young girls who were on the bus.
“I backed my bus up to approach this individual and ask him to stop verbally assaulting my wife and children, and hundreds of other women who attend our church,” Pastor Spell said in a text message. “After I parked my bus, I said to myself this is a waste of time, rehearsing the scripture ‘cast not thy pearl before swine,’ I then pulled away from the protester and parked on my parking lot.”“I backed my bus up to approach this individual and ask him to stop verbally assaulting my wife and children, and hundreds of other women who attend our church,” Pastor Spell said in a text message. “After I parked my bus, I said to myself this is a waste of time, rehearsing the scripture ‘cast not thy pearl before swine,’ I then pulled away from the protester and parked on my parking lot.”
A parishioner at the evangelical church, who the police identified as Nathan Thomas, of Denham Springs, La., also faces an aggravated assault charge after he tried to swerve into the same protester several hours later in his own vehicle, Chief Sibley said.A parishioner at the evangelical church, who the police identified as Nathan Thomas, of Denham Springs, La., also faces an aggravated assault charge after he tried to swerve into the same protester several hours later in his own vehicle, Chief Sibley said.
Updated June 16, 2020Updated June 16, 2020
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Pastor Spell said that Mr. Thomas, who is in his 50s, would not be commenting about the charge.Pastor Spell said that Mr. Thomas, who is in his 50s, would not be commenting about the charge.
“He’s done nothing wrong, just as I’ve done nothing wrong,” Pastor Spell said in a phone interview, adding that both he and Mr. Thomas had been harassed and bullied. Efforts to reach Mr. Thomas on Monday night were unsuccessful.“He’s done nothing wrong, just as I’ve done nothing wrong,” Pastor Spell said in a phone interview, adding that both he and Mr. Thomas had been harassed and bullied. Efforts to reach Mr. Thomas on Monday night were unsuccessful.
Last Wednesday, a man who Pastor Spell said was an usher at his church died of Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, according to the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office. The man, Harold Orillion, was 78.Last Wednesday, a man who Pastor Spell said was an usher at his church died of Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, according to the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office. The man, Harold Orillion, was 78.
On Monday night, Pastor Spell disputed the circumstances of Mr. Orillion’s death and said that he had died of natural causes.On Monday night, Pastor Spell disputed the circumstances of Mr. Orillion’s death and said that he had died of natural causes.
“Coroners don’t do reports on people who die in hospitals,” Pastor Spell said.“Coroners don’t do reports on people who die in hospitals,” Pastor Spell said.