Arrest Made in Vandalism of Satanic Display at Iowa Capitol

Michael Cassidy, a former US Navy fighter pilot and failed Mississippi candidate, has been charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief for allegedly destroying a Satanic Temple display known as a Baphomet statue inside the Iowa Capitol. The display, permitted by Capitol rules, has drawn criticism from conservatives. Cassidy, a Republican, was defeated in a statehouse election in Mississippi in November. The Salem-based Satanic Temple, a non-theistic religious organization, advocates for secularism and is separate from the Church of Satan. Cassidy's arrest prompted the creation of a legal defense fund, which was temporarily halted but reopened due to potential additional charges.