A Mississippi man is now facing hate crime charges in connection with the destruction of a Satanic Temple holiday display at the Iowa State Capitol in December.
Michael Cassidy was initially charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief, a serious misdemeanor, for breaking the Baphomet statue that was part of the holiday display. Court documents indicate that the statue’s head was shattered into multiple pieces, resulting in approximately $3,000 in repair costs.
Mortimer Adremelech from the Satanic Temple of Iowa emphasized the importance of everyone’s right to practice their religion when speaking with WHO 13 shortly after the vandalism occurred. Adremelech stated, “All religions have equal rights in the public forum under the First Amendment of the Constitution. As Americans, we have every right to be here just like anyone else.”
The presence of the statue stirred significant controversy online, with Governor Kim Reynolds describing the display as “absolutely objectionable,” and Republican Representative Brad Sherman claiming it was “unconstitutional.”