Michael Cassidy, a 35-year-old Navy veteran, faced hate crime charges on Tuesday for confessing to beheading a Satanic statue exhibited in the Iowa State Capitol building last month.
A Christian residing in Mississippi and a former congressional candidate, Cassidy was initially arrested and charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief for the vandalism. New court documents reveal that repairing the damaged statue will cost between $750 and $1,500. Prosecutors have elevated the charge to third-degree criminal mischief, a class D felony, asserting that Cassidy violated individual rights under Iowa’s hate crime statute.
Lynn Hicks, a spokesman for the Polk County Attorney’s Office, stated, “Evidence shows the defendant made statements to law enforcement and the public indicating he destroyed the property because of the victim’s religion,” according to KCCI.
The Satanic Temple of Iowa had obtained permission to showcase a Baphomet statue in the state capitol building, coexisting with Nativity displays during the Christmas season.
Cassidy explained his actions to The Republic Sentinel in December, citing his outrage at the perceived blasphemy. He stated, “My conscience is held captive to the word of God, not to bureaucratic decree. And so I acted.” Asserting his opposition to the perceived mainstreaming of anti-Christian values, Cassidy emphasized his refusal to accept the legitimization of Satanic symbols within Capitol buildings.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds expressed her disapproval of the Satanic statue while advocating for counter-speech. She stated, “Like many Iowans, I find the Satanic Temple’s display in the Capitol absolutely objectionable. In a free society, the best response to objectionable speech is more speech, and I encourage all those of faith to join me today in praying over the Capitol and recognizing the nativity scene that will be on display – the true reason for the season.”
A legal defense fund for Cassidy on GiveSendGo has garnered over $90,000 in support.
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