All articles tagged with #iowa capitol
Michael Cassidy, previously charged with Criminal Mischief, now faces a hate crime charge for destroying a satanic display at the Iowa Capitol, violating individual rights as per Iowa Code 729A.2. The display, featuring a Baphomet Altar, was damaged beyond repair, costing over $750 to fix. While Governor Kim Reynolds found the display objectionable, organizers defended it as a symbol of religious freedom.
Former congressional candidate Michael Cassidy has been charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief for vandalizing the Satanic Temple of Iowa's display at the Iowa State Capitol. Cassidy claimed he was outraged by the "blasphemous statue" and acted according to his religious beliefs. The display, depicting the pagan idol Baphomet, was permitted under state rules but has faced criticism from politicians. A crowdfunding campaign for Cassidy's legal fund quickly raised $20,000, with donations from conservative groups and individuals. Cassidy defended his actions as a way to awaken Christians to what he sees as anti-Christian acts promoted by the government.
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.
A man in Iowa defended his actions of allegedly beheading a Satanic statue in the state capitol as "Christian civil disobedience." The incident, captured on video, shows the man using an ax to destroy the statue, claiming it was a symbol of evil. The man has been charged with criminal mischief and trespassing.
Dozens of members of the Satanic Temple of Iowa gathered at the state Capitol building in Des Moines for the closing ceremony of their controversial display, which had been vandalized by a former congressional candidate. Supporters from out of state also attended the ceremony to show their support for the Satanic Temple's right to freedom of expression. The ceremony included speeches emphasizing the importance of personal sovereignty and the separation of church and state. The Satanic Temple clarified that they do not worship Satan as an entity but rather advocate for religious freedom and freedom of speech.
Michael Cassidy, a former U.S. Navy fighter pilot and Republican candidate who recently lost a statehouse election in Mississippi, has been charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief after a Satanic Temple display inside the Iowa Capitol was destroyed. The display, known as a Baphomet statue, had drawn criticism from conservatives, including presidential candidate Ron DeSantis. Cassidy's campaign website describes him as a "Christian conservative," and he had expressed concern about the display on social media. The Satanic Temple stated that the display was "destroyed beyond repair," though part of it remains. Cassidy was released after his arrest, and a fund was set up for his legal defense.
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.
The Satanic Temple of Iowa announced that a statue of the pagan idol Baphomet, part of its controversial holiday display in the Iowa Capitol, has been destroyed beyond repair. The group did not disclose the identity of the vandal(s). While some politicians have called for the display's removal, others argue that it is protected under free speech. Despite the destruction, the Satanic Temple plans to keep the remaining parts of the display, including an altar displaying the temple's seal and the seven tenets of Satanism, for the allotted time. The founder of the Satanic Temple called the vandalism a "hate crime" and criticized those who vandalized the display.
The Satanic Temple of Iowa announced that their controversial holiday display at the Iowa Capitol, featuring a ram's head covered with mirrors, was vandalized and destroyed beyond repair. The organization, asserting their right to religious freedom, plans to continue their display for the remaining allotted time and urges visitors to travel together for safety.
The Iowa State Patrol investigated a social media threat to the Iowa Capitol on Saturday, prompted by information received from the United States Capitol Police. After determining the threat was not credible, the State Fire Marshal's Office and Iowa State Patrol conducted a sweep of the building and found nothing of concern. Normal activities resumed, but an Iowa Democratic Party Black Caucus event honoring Martin Luther King Jr. was moved to a different location as a precaution.