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Religious Display

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crime1 year ago•1 min saved

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.

via The Associated Press|

#crime #hate-crime #iowa

crime2 years ago•5 min saved

Controversy Erupts Over Vandalism and Defense of Satanic Display at Iowa Capitol

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.

via Des Moines Register|

#crime #crowdfunding #iowa-capitol

crime2 years ago•2 min saved

Arrest Made in Vandalism of Satanic Temple Display at Iowa Capitol

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.

via NBC News|

#crime #criminal-mischief #iowa-capitol