Mississippi House candidate charged after Satanic Temple display vandalized at Iowa Capitol

Former Mississippi House candidate, Michael Cassidy, has been charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief after a Satanic Temple display, known as a Baphomet statue, was destroyed at the Iowa Capitol. The display, permitted by Capitol rules, has drawn criticism from conservatives. Cassidy, a Republican, was recently defeated in a statehouse election in Mississippi and is a former U.S. Navy fighter pilot. The Salem-based Satanic Temple, a non-theistic religious organization, advocates for secularism and is separate from the Church of Satan. Cassidy's campaign website remains active, and a fund was set up for his legal defense.