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Monday, November 2, 2026Nov 2

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Snake-handling pastor lands in jail for assault

Pastor Andrew Hamblin of Tabernacle Church of God holds up a pair of snakes during services on Friday, Nov. 8, 2013, despite the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency seizing 50 venomous snakes from the church the day before.
Pastor Andrew Hamblin of Tabernacle Church of God holds up a pair of snakes during services on Friday, Nov. 8, 2013, despite the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency seizing 50 venomous snakes from the church the day before. Pastor Andrew Hamblin of Tabernacle Church of God holds up a pair of snakes during services on Friday, Nov. 8, 2013, despite the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency seizing 50 venomous snakes from the church the day before.
photo Pastor Andrew Hamblin of Tabernacle Church of God holds up a pair of snakes during services on Friday, Nov. 8, 2013, despite the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency seizing 50 venomous snakes from the church the day before.

KNOXVILLE — A snake-handling pastor in Campbell County is charged with firing a handgun during a confrontation with his estranged wife Sunday, sending one round into a house where the couple’s 7-week-old son was inside.

Andrew Hamblin, 23, was arraigned Monday morning on charges of aggravated assault and six counts of felony reckless endangerment.

Campbell County Sessions Court Judge Amanda Sammons set his bond at $200,000.

View more at our news partner’s website, knoxnews.com.

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