Charges against Florida Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne have officially been dropped.
As Christian Headlines previously reported, in March, Pastor Howard-Browne of the River Tampa Church in Hillsborough County was arrested for unlawful assembly after hosting church services larger than 10 people amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Friday, however, Liberty Counsel, the legal group representing Howard-Browne, reported that the charges against the Floridian had been dropped.
Liberty Counsel founder and chairman Mat Staver argued in a written statement that Howard-Browne’s arrest was “politically motivated.”
“Neither the pastor nor The River at Tampa Bay Church did anything wrong,” he added.
Soon, Howard-Browne’s arrest would gain national attention, something Staver argues led to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis eventually declaring attendance at houses of worship to be an essential activity. “This arrest freed up every church in Florida to meet,” he asserted.
Staver added that for Howard-Browne and all others impacted by his arrest, “It is now time to move forward with healing and restoration.”
A Notice of Termination was also published on Friday confirming that the charges had been dropped.
“Having reviewed the charge(s) contained in the Criminal Report Affidavit and/or Notice to Appear, the State Attorney’s Office informs you that the charge(s) contained therein is/are…
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