A former U.S. Navy pilot and unsuccessful congressional candidate has been charged with criminal mischief after he allegedly destroyed a controversial Satanic temple display at the Iowa State Capitol.
Michael Cassidy, 35, was arrested for tearing down the Iowa Satanic Temple's Baphomet display Thursday morning, Iowa State Police confirmed to .
The exhibition featured a statue of Baphomet – a goat-headed figure that represented Satan, along with the seven teachings of Satanism, satanic symbols and candles.
Cassidy was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief after he allegedly ripped Baphomet's head off.
The ardent Christian confirmed his act of destruction in a text message to Fox News, saying he tore down the statue because “it was extremely anti-Christian.”
Michael Cassidy, 35, was arrested for allegedly tearing down the Baphomet exhibit at the Iowa Satanic Temple on Thursday morning
The exhibition featured a statue of Baphomet – a goat-headed figure that represented Satan, along with the seven teachings of Satanism, satanic symbols and many candles
Cassidy was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief after he allegedly ripped Baphomet's head off at the Iowa State Capitol
Iowa State Police told : “On December 14, 2023, the Iowa State Patrol was dispatched to the Iowa State Capitol for a report of vandalism related to the Baphomet exhibit at the Iowa Satanic Temple.”
“As a result of the investigation and in consultation with the Polk County Prosecutor’s Office, 35-year-old Michael Cassidy of Lauderdale, Mississippi was charged with Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree.”
Cassidy ran an unsuccessful campaign in 2022 to replace Rep. Michael Guest in Mississippi's 3rd Congressional District – but lost the race with 32.6 percent of the vote to Guest's 67.4 percent.
The Sentinel, a conservative news site, set up a defense fund for Cassidy that raised $20,000 in just three hours before the defendant ordered the campaign paused, saying, “We've had enough for now.”
After allegedly tearing down the statue, the devout Christian shared a Bible verse with his followers on X: “1. Peter 5:8 KJV Be sober, be vigilant; for your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
The Satanic Temple of Iowa said its exhibit was “unrepairable.”
“For safety reasons, we ask visitors to travel together and use the 7 principles as a reminder of empathy, knowing that justice will be sought in the right way, through legal means,” the group wrote. 'Nice holidays! Hail Satan!'
The Satanic Temple's co-founder Lucien Greaves told CNN: “They held prayer rallies, they protested against us, they denigrated the local government for abiding by the law and opening the public forum to all spectators, and they always had nor the need to tear down the statue.” .
“I think it was a real act of cowardice – cowardice disguised as heroism.”
Iowa's Republican governor, Kim Reynolds, condemned the display – but argued it should be countered with more speech.
“Like many Iowans, I find the display of the Satanic Temple in the Capitol absolutely offensive,” Reynolds said.
“In a free society, the best response to offensive speech is more speech, and I encourage all believers to join me in praying over the Capitol today and honoring the nativity scene on display – the true reason for this season.”'
The ardent Christian confirmed his act of destruction in a text message to Fox News, saying he tore down the statue because it was “extremely anti-Christian.”
Iowa's Republican governor, Kim Reynolds, condemned the display – but argued it should be countered with more speech
Meanwhile, many social media users praised Cassidy's actions – even calling him a “hero” and saying “atta boy.”
“May we have more powerful men like him,” said one Facebook user.
As an expression of “religious freedom,” the Satanic Temple displayed a sparkling demonic ram’s head at the Iowa Statehouse.
In addition to more traditional menorahs and Christmas trees, the group set up an altar with candles, a large banner and a ram figure with a skull covered in mirrors, a red cape and a wreath.
The temple reportedly went through all the correct administrative processes for the exhibition and only rejected its initial request to use a real goat skull.
When it was founded, Greaves told KCCI, “We will really relish the opportunity to be represented in a public forum.” “We don't have a church on every street corner.”
The exhibit was scheduled to remain open for fourteen days and was protected by the First Amendment.
Social media users are highly praising Cassidy's actions – even calling him a “hero” and saying “atta boy.”
The temple reportedly went through all the correct administrative processes for the exhibition and only rejected its initial request to use a real goat skull
The Satanic Temple of Iowa said its exhibit was 'unrepairable'
Earlier this week, Iowa House Representative Jon Dunwell said on “
He said: “Currently, access to the exhibitions in the Capitol is possible for everyone through an application process.”
“Although there are some policies in place, they do not discriminate on the basis of religion or belief.
“The Satanic Temple applied for the exhibit in August and was approved with some modifications. “They wanted to use a real goat's head (I'm assuming a skull), and we're forbidden from doing that.”
He reminded people that “the display is an inanimate object that has no real power in itself. We have nothing to fear.”
But added: “I don't want to see the Capitol flooded with displays.” “In the future, we may need to find ways to appropriately limit the number of displays.”
has reached out to Michael Cassidy for comment.