Pastor Tony Spell’s Church Alleges Armed Harassment by Neighbor Following Recent Assault Controversy

Just days after Pastor Tony Spell made headlines over video showing him physically confronting a man outside his church, Life Tabernacle Church is now claiming that one of its longtime critics escalated an ongoing dispute by allegedly displaying a firearm while making an obscene gesture toward church members.

According to a post published by Central City News, the incident allegedly occurred as members were leaving a church service on August 10, 2025. The church claims the individual, a longtime critic of the church, was making obscene gestures while appearing to hold a handgun.

Sister Shaye Spell alleges he has harassed members of the congregation since March 2020, claiming similar incidents have occurred more than 1,000 times. Church leaders also say they have filed numerous police reports over the years but believe no meaningful action has been taken.

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The allegations come shortly after Pastor Tony Spell was at the center of another controversy involving a physical altercation that was captured on video. That incident sparked widespread debate online over whether the pastor acted in self-defense or crossed the line by confronting the individual.

Central City News also repeated previous allegations made by the church that the individual’s home was used by law enforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic to monitor activity at Life Tabernacle Church through surveillance cameras positioned along nearby roads. Those claims have been made by church leaders for years but have not been independently verified.

As of now, there has been no public announcement of criminal charges related to the alleged firearm incident described by the church. The allegations remain claims made by the congregation, and any response from the individual or law enforcement has not been included in the information released so far.

The latest claims are likely to add another chapter to the long-running conflict surrounding Life Tabernacle Church, which has remained in the public spotlight since the COVID-19 restrictions and, more recently, Pastor Spell’s widely shared altercation outside the church.

Central Police Chief Roger Corcoran disputes the Spells’ claims that law enforcement failed to keep the peace, according to WAFB. The handgun allegation described above comes from Central City News and has not been independently confirmed by The Rabbit Hole. Spell is charged with second-degree battery in the earlier confrontation.

Also reported by: WAFB.

Also reported by: New York Post.