Cease-And-Desist Letters Sent To Phoenix Dream City Church, Glendale Company Over False COVID-19 Air Filter Claims

By Katherine Davis-Young, Scott Bourque
Published: Friday, June 26, 2020 - 12:35pm
Updated: Saturday, June 27, 2020 - 4:15pm

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People line up outside Dream City Church in Phoenix
Sky Schaudt/KJZZ
People line up outside Dream City Church in Phoenix for the event with President Donald Trump on June 23, 2020.

Arizona’s attorney general is ordering a Glendale air purifier company and a Phoenix church to cease-and-desist. 

Dream City Church, where President Donald Trump held a rally this week, falsely claimed its air filtration system could limit the spread of coronavirus. 

There’s no scientific research that backs up the idea that air filtration systems can neutralize COVID-19.

Attorney General Mark Brnovich says claims made by Dream City Church and the company, Clean Air EXP, may violate Arizona’s Consumer Fraud Act.

Attorney General's Office spokesperson Katie Conner says Clean Air EXP may be committing consumer fraud by spreading false or misleading claims.

"Our office is not aware of any scientific research or public health agency certifying any kind of air treatment products as a means of preventing COVID-19 infection," Conner said. "Our letter states that these representations appear to violate the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act."

Conner says they have a short window to comply with the letter before facing additional action.

"The deadline for complying with the demand is 5 p.m. on June 29th, followed by written confirmation of compliance to be delivered to our office no later than Thursday, July 2," Conner said."

The Trump campaign event Tuesday was attended by thousands, most of whom did not wear face coverings. Ahead of the rally, church leaders had alleged anyone coming into the auditorium would be safe and protected by its filtration system.

In a statement, Brnovich said: “We will not tolerate companies or individuals attempting to deceive or exploit the public during this public health crisis.”

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