A 90-year-old Florida man has been arrested for the second time in a week after continuing to feed the homeless in defiance of a controversial new city ordinance.
Arnold Abbott, a longtime advocate for the homeless, was taken into custody after distributing more than 100 hot meals — including chicken soup, pasta, mashed potatoes, and fruit salad — to those in need. Police officers monitored the area for nearly 45 minutes before stepping in.
Abbott, who has dedicated decades to charitable service, says he is undeterred by the legal consequences. “I expected it,” he remarked following his arrest. “But at least this time they let us feed them before they handcuffed us.”
The city’s new law, which restricts public food-sharing, has sparked widespread criticism from civil liberties advocates and faith-based organizations.
Opponents argue that the ordinance effectively criminalizes compassion, while supporters maintain that it is intended to regulate public spaces and address health and safety concerns.
If convicted, Abbott could face up to 60 days in jail or a $500 fine. His case has become a flashpoint in the ongoing national debate over homelessness, municipal regulation, and the balance between public order and individual acts of charity.
Legal observers note that challenges to similar ordinances in other jurisdictions have reached appellate courts, with rulings often hinging on constitutional claims involving free speech, religious freedom, and equal protection.
Abbott has signaled that he does not plan to stop his outreach, setting the stage for a potential court battle that could have far-reaching implications.
