Iowa Man Charged with Hate Crime for Vandalizing Satanic Temple Display

Michael Cassidy, accused of destroying a statue of a pagan idol at Iowa’s state Capitol, has been charged with a hate crime in addition to the initial misdemeanor charge. The statue, brought by the Satanic Temple of Iowa, drew criticism from state and national leaders. Cassidy, a former congressional and legislative candidate from Mississippi, allegedly destroyed the statue because of the victim’s religion. His attorney declined to comment on the new charge, and Cassidy is scheduled to be arraigned on February 15. The Satanic Temple, founded in 2013, advocates for secularism and is separate from the Church of Satan.