By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-06-24 21:35:27 | Updated at 2026-06-24 22:38:53
1 hour ago
A Louisiana pastor accused of fighting with a 20-year-old has said the 'truth will come out in court' after his arrest on a charge of second-degree battery.
Tony Spell, 48, who leads Life Tabernacle Church on the outskirts of Baton Rouge, was detained for allegedly attacking a man just after 11am on Tuesday.
The pastor appeared in court later that day and told reporters outside that he would give his side of the story during trial - before adding that he had 'a red hot sermon ready' for his congregants too.
Spell previously hit the headlines for fiercely opposing coronavirus rules during the pandemic. He was arrested in April 2020 and accused of trying to reverse the church bus over a man who staged a protest against his church gatherings.
However, hundreds of congregants leapt to his defense, inundating police phone lines with complaints about the 2020 arrest.
It appears that the bus screeched to a halt before reaching the protester, and the assault charges against Spell were dropped.
The pastor's latest arrest affidavit, obtained by the Daily Mail, describes how a fight escalated outside his church on Hooper Street.
The 20-year-old was left with a broken bone below his eye socket, according to cops. He also needed stitches below his chin, the police report said.
Pastor Tony Spell, 48, stands accused of fighting a 20-year-old man outside his church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Tuesday. He was arrested on a charge of second-degree battery
Surveillance footage appeared to show two people sparring before one collapsed on the grass
Spell said the 'truth will come out in court' after he was charged with second-degree battery
Relatives of the alleged victim told local news outlets that he had a long-running feud with Spell, though further details were not given.
Shocking video footage has emerged which appears to show a man who resembles Spell attacking another individual.
The younger victim told police he screamed 'f*** you!' at the pastor before the confrontation.
The alleged victim told police shortly afterwards that he had 'curled up on the ground' as the pastor 'continued to hit him'.
Baton Rouge Sheriff deputies were called to the scene, and they allegedly found Spell in the church. He 'refused to speak without his attorney present', according to the affidavit.
Police searched the victim's cell phone and say they found a video showing the victim had shouted at the pastor asking 'what are you going to do?' moments before the fight.
'The victim was observed with swelling above and under his right eye, blood from his nose, a scratch on his forehead, a scratch on his left eyebrow, and a cut under his chin,' the affidavit says.
'Medics said he may have a broken orbital bone around his right eye and needed stitches under his chin'.
The video appears to show a man who resembles Spell aggressively kicking another individual
The 20-year-old was left with a broken bone below his eye, according to cops. Pictured: Spell
Spell, 48, leads Life Tabernacle Church on the outskirts of Baton Rouge
Spell attended court with a splash of blood on his face after posting a $25,000 bond to secure his release from custody.
'I have no comment,' Spell told reporters outside the court room. 'I'll be in court September 15. The truth will come out in court.'
'I'm headed to the pulpit right now,' he added. 'I've got a red-hot sermon ready.'
The Daily Mail has contacted the pastor via his church for further comment.
