"Multiple Hate Crime Charges Filed for Destruction of Satanic Symbols Across the US"

Michael Cassidy, accused of destroying a statue of the pagan idol Baphomet at Iowa’s state capitol, has been charged with a hate crime under Iowa’s hate crime statute. The statue, brought by the Satanic Temple of Iowa, was destroyed beyond repair, drawing strong criticism from state and national leaders. Cassidy, a former congressional and legislative candidate from Mississippi, had initially been charged with misdemeanor criminal mischief but is now facing a more serious felony charge. He allegedly made statements indicating he destroyed the statue because of the victim’s religion. Cassidy is scheduled to be arraigned on 15 February and has raised over $84,000 for his defense.