Man Charged with Hate Crime for Vandalizing Satanic Display at Iowa Capitol
Michael Cassidy, a Mississippi man who admitted to damaging the Satanic Temple's display at the Iowa Capitol, has been charged with a hate crime in addition to fourth-degree criminal mischief. The cost to replace or repair the property is estimated to be between $750 and $1,500. The act was deemed to have violated individual rights under Iowa's hate crime statute, elevating the charge to third-degree criminal mischief, a class D felony. The display, permitted by Capitol rules, drew criticism from conservatives, including Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, while the Satanic Temple views it as a symbol of their right to religious freedom.