The Satanic Temple exhibit inside the Iowa State Capitol was destroyed Thursday, according to police.
An Iowa State Police spokesperson told Fox News Digital that Michael Cassidy, 35, was arrested after allegedly tearing down the Iowa Satanic Temple’s Baphomet exhibit.
He was charged with criminal mischief in the fourth degree.
In a text message to Fox News Digital, Cassidy confirmed that he tore down the satanic display, which was erected last week by the Satanic Temple of Iowa to represent the group’s right to religious freedom.
“It was extremely anti-Christian,” Cassidy told Fox News Digital when asked why he tore down the statue.
Cassidy previously ran an unsuccessful 2022 campaign to unseat Rep. Michael Guest, R-Miss.
Here you can see the satanic display that was torn down by Michael Cassidy in the Iowa Capitol. @charliekirk11 / X
The former congressional candidate did not elaborate on why he tore down the statue, but he posted a Bible verse Thursday night on X after being accused.
“1 Peter 5:8 KJV Be sober, and be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, like a roaring lion, walks around looking for someone to devour,” he published.
In a Facebook post, the Satanic Temple of Iowa wrote that the display was “beyond repair.”
Michael Cassidy was arrested after allegedly tearing down the Iowa Satanic Temple’s Baphomet exhibit. Michael Cassidy/X
“We ask that, for safety, visitors travel together and use the 7 Principles as a reminder of empathy, knowing that justice is being done the right way, through legal means,” the group wrote. “Happy Holidays! Hail Satan!”
Iowa Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds condemned the presence of the display but said it should be countered with more speech.
“Like many Iowans, I find the Satanic Temple display at the Capitol absolutely objectionable,” Reynolds said. “In a free society, the best response to objectionable speech is more speech, and I encourage all believers to join me today in praying before the Capitol and recognizing the Nativity scene that will be on display – the true reason for the season. “
Iowa’s Republican governor is against the presence of the display, but said it should be countered with more speech. Representative Jon Dunwell/X
Satanic Temple co-founder Lucien Greaves previously told KCCI Des Moines that the exhibit would remain open for two weeks.
“We are really going to enjoy the opportunity to be represented in a public forum. “We don’t have a church on every corner,” Greaves said. “My feeling is that if people don’t like our display in public forums, they don’t have to interact with them. “They don’t have to see them.”
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Source: vtt.edu.vn