Iowa State Police charged a man for destroying a display by the Satanic Temple on display in the state's capitol building.
Michael Cassidy, 35, was arrested after reportedly tearing down the group's Baphomet display, and being charged with criminal mischief.
Satanic display inside Iowa State Capitol destroyed, man charged: officials https://t.co/QzbMh7bHTe
— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 15, 2023
"The former congressional candidate didn't elaborate on why he tore the statue down, but posted a Bible verse Thursday night to X after being charged," Fox News reported.
"1 Peter 5:8 KJV Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour," he posted.
Satanic display inside Iowa State Capitol destroyed, man charged: officials https://t.co/ySdPfYAtbb pic.twitter.com/HFxdpjNkqt
— New York Post (@nypost) December 15, 2023
"Iowa Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds condemned the display’s presence, but said it should be countered with more speech," the New York Post reported.
“Like many Iowans, I find the Satanic Temple’s display in the Capitol absolutely objectionable,” Reynolds said. “In a free society, the best response to objectionable speech is more speech, and I encourage all those of faith to join me today in praying over the Capitol and recognizing the Nativity scene that will be on display ― the true reason for the season.”
Satanic display inside Iowa State Capitol destroyed, man charged: officials - https://t.co/dpab1JvfCL pic.twitter.com/noTfRmCmXz
— conservativeinsights.net (@coninsights_net) December 15, 2023
"Co-founder of The Satanic Temple, Lucien Greaves, previously told KCCI Des Moines that the display would remain up for two weeks," Conservative Insights reported.
“We’re going to really relish the opportunity to be represented in a public forum. We don’t have a church on every street corner,” Greaves said. “My feeling is if people don’t like our display in public forums, they don’t have to engage with them. They don’t have to view them.”
Cassidy, who previously ran as a Republican against Rep. Micahel Guest, has been outspoken against the Satanic Temple's display. He has admitted to destroying the display, referring to it as "extremely anti-Christian."
The move also comes as the Satanic Temple group seeks to provide after-school clubs on elementary school campuses, igniting controversy from parents and community leaders.
The latest incident may be charged as a criminal act but Cassidy is likely to find many supporters who share his view and oppose the attention given to the Satanic Temple during the Christmas holiday season.
