An Iowa fight over a Satanic display reminds us: Republicans believe "free speech" is only for them

[Dont@Me]

BREAKING: Satanic idol at Iowa State Capitol BEHEADED by Christian veteran

“I saw this blasphemous statue and was outraged,” Cassidy said. “My conscience is held captive to the word of God, not to bureaucratic decree. And so I acted.”

thepostmillennial.com

BREAKING: Satanic idol at Iowa State Capitol BEHEADED by Christian veteran​

"I saw this blasphemous statue and was outraged,” Cassidy said. “My conscience is held captive to the word of God, not to bureaucratic decree. And so I acted."

Hannah Nightingale Washington DC

Dec 14, 20232 Minute Read

A Satanic altar erected in the Iowa Capitol building has been torn down and beheaded by a Christian and former military officer.

According to The Sentinel, Michael Cassidy pushed over and decapitated the statue of Baphomet, which was placed in the building by members of the Satanic Temple of Iowa after receiving permission, and discarded the head of the statue into the trash.



Cassidy told the outlet that he destroyed the altar on Thursday to "awaken Christians to the anti-Christian acts promoted by our government."

"The world may tell Christians to submissively accept the legitimization of Satan, but none of the founders would have considered government sanction of Satanic altars inside Capitol buildings as protected by the First Amendment," Cassidy said. "Anti-Christian values have steadily been mainstreamed more and more in recent decades, and Christians have largely acted like the proverbial frog in the boiling pot of water."



Cassidy turned himself in to officers who were present in the building, who confirmed that the Satanic Temple of Iowa seeks to press charges. Cassidy was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief.

“I saw this blasphemous statue and was outraged,” Cassidy said. “My conscience is held captive to the word of God, not to bureaucratic decree. And so I acted.”

Cassidy previously ran for Congress in Mississippi and served as a Navy pilot.

The display drew outrage, with Iowa Lawmaker saying, "I am calling for our governor to have this blasphemous display removed immediately based on the grounds that it is unconstitutional and offends God upon whom the State of Iowa depends for blessings."

"I am calling for clarifying legislation to be adopted in accordance with our State Constitution that prohibits satanic displays in our Capitol building and on all state owned property. I am calling for legislation to be adopted that makes it legal to display the Ten Commandments in our Capitol, in all buildings owned by the state, and in our public schools."

The display was permitted to be in the capital building for two weeks, and featured a mirrored, caped statue of Baphomet, complete with a black and red "holiday wreath" with a pentagram in the center.

This is a breaking story and will be updated.

Hail Satan!

Hail Satan!

Hail! Satan!

 

[iceberg_is_on_fire]

Satanic display at Iowa Capitol vandalized ‘beyond repair’; arrest made

Organizers say the Baphomet statue was destroyed.

www.kcrg.com

Satanic display at Iowa Capitol vandalized ‘beyond repair’; arrest made​

The Iowa Department of Public Safety says Michael Cassidy is charged with fourth degree Criminal Mischief.

By KCRG Staff

*video from a another news source


Published: Dec. 14, 2023 at 5:55 PM EST|Updated: 19 hours ago

DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) - On Thursday, the Satanic Temple of Iowa announced that their display at the Iowa Capitol had been significantly damaged.

The controversial display, which Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds called “objectionable,” featured a ram’s head covered with mirrors on a mannequin before being damaged.

Organizers say it’s a symbol of their right to religious freedom.

The Satanic Temple of Iowa posted the following message on their Facebook page:

“This morning, we were informed by authorities that the Baphomet statue in our holiday display was destroyed beyond repair. We are proud to continue our holiday display for the next few days that we have been allotted.

We ask that for safety, visitors travel together and use the 7 Tenets as a reminder for empathy, in the knowledge that justice is being pursued the correct way, through legal means.

Solve et Coagula! Happy Holidays! Hail Satan!”

KCCI has reported that 35-year-old Michael Cassidy of Lauderdale, Mississippi, was charged with Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree. He has since been released.

Copyright 2023 KCRG. All rights reserved.

Why nutty Republicans need to be stop at every juncture.

 

[Mowgli]

Why nutty Republicans need to be stop at every juncture.

Ur with Satan or God bruh?

 

[HarlemHottie]

Most Satanists ARE Atheists. They just like to troll Christians with the imagery, and use their logic against them. It's pretty funny, I'm not gone lie.

I think it's corny. Like, even if they trolling, (some) Christians really believe that shyt, so when the Christians (rightfully, in their view) start marginalizing them in the community, not letting the kids play together and shyt, ppl gon be crying. And, tbh, that's Christians on nice mode. They're a volatile bunch.

 

[maxamusa]

you not gonna convince me that guy doesn't have people locked up in his basement

Iowa get it together.

 

[Hoodoo Child]

I think it's corny. Like, even if they trolling, (some) Christians really believe that shyt, so when the Christians (rightfully, in their view) start marginalizing them in the community, not letting the kids play together and shyt, ppl gon be crying. And, tbh, that's Christians on nice mode. They're a volatile bunch.

Yep. That's why I say, if you're gonna go up against any religion, you better come with a bigger (and richer) squad. Atheists/Satanists don't really have a global-centralized community. No leaders, no guidelines, and no plans. They still get a good chuckle out of me, but that's about it.

 

[iceberg_is_on_fire]

Ur with Satan or God bruh?

I'm where common sense resides breh. Always.

 

[Mowgli]

I'm where common sense resides breh. Always.

Would you be more likely to chase away Satanists chanting demonic jabber in front of your home or Christians coming to sing holiday carols

 

[bnew]

Suspect accused of destroying Satanic display at Iowa Capitol charged with hate crime

A former congressional candidate from Mississippi who admitted destroying Satanic Temple's Baphomet idol at Iowa Capitol now faces a hate crime charge

www.desmoinesregister.com

Suspect accused of destroying Satanic display at Iowa Capitol charged with hate crime​

William Morris

Des Moines Register


A Mississippi man who admitted to destroying a statue of the pagan idol Baphomet at the Iowa Capitol has been charged with a hate crime.

The statue was part of a display organized by the Satanic Temple of Iowa under state rules allowing religious displays in the Iowa Capitol during the holidays. The installation drew strong criticism from state and national leaders, including Gov. Kim Reynolds and Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis. On Dec. 14, the centerpiece of the display, a figure depicting the horned deity Baphomet, was "destroyed beyond repair," according to the Satanic Temple of Iowa.

Michael Cassidy, a former congressional candidate from Mississippi, was charged the following day with fourth-degree criminal mischief, a misdemeanor. The Lauderdale, Mississippi, man told the conservative website The Sentinel that “My conscience is held captive to the word of God, not to bureaucratic decree. And so I acted.”

Now, Polk County prosecutors have accused Cassidy of a more serious offense. A charging document made public Tuesday charges him with felony third-degree criminal mischief and notes that the act was committed "in violation of individual rights" under Iowa's hate crime statute.

"Evidence shows the defendant made statements to law enforcement and the public indicating he destroyed the property because of the victim’s religion," triggering the violation of individual rights enhancement, said Lynn Hicks, a spokesman for the Polk County Attorney's Office.

Cassidy's attorney, Sara Pasquale, declined to comment Tuesday on the new charge. In previous court filings, she has accused the Satanic Temple of making premature filings that, "like the timing and substance of the Satanic Temple of Iowa’s installation of a demonic statue in the capitol building... are only meant to evoke strong emotions and incite others."

Hicks said in a statement that based on information from the Satanic Temple, the cost to replace or repair the statue would be between $750 and $1,500, making its destruction an aggravated misdemeanor. (In fact, the Temple has filed a damage estimate putting the cost to replace the statute at $3,000.) What makes the charge a felony, Hicks said, is the hate crime statute.

Court records show Cassidy is scheduled to be arraigned on Feb. 15. He has raised more than $84,000 for his legal defense from nearly 2,000 supporters, according to fundraising site GiveSendGo.

William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at wrmorris2@registermedia.com or 715-573-8166.

 

[Neuromancer]

Suspect accused of destroying Satanic display at Iowa Capitol charged with hate crime

A former congressional candidate from Mississippi who admitted destroying Satanic Temple's Baphomet idol at Iowa Capitol now faces a hate crime charge

www.desmoinesregister.com

Suspect accused of destroying Satanic display at Iowa Capitol charged with hate crime​

William Morris

Des Moines Register


A Mississippi man who admitted to destroying a statue of the pagan idol Baphomet at the Iowa Capitol has been charged with a hate crime.

The statue was part of a display organized by the Satanic Temple of Iowa under state rules allowing religious displays in the Iowa Capitol during the holidays. The installation drew strong criticism from state and national leaders, including Gov. Kim Reynolds and Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis. On Dec. 14, the centerpiece of the display, a figure depicting the horned deity Baphomet, was "destroyed beyond repair," according to the Satanic Temple of Iowa.

Michael Cassidy, a former congressional candidate from Mississippi, was charged the following day with fourth-degree criminal mischief, a misdemeanor. The Lauderdale, Mississippi, man told the conservative website The Sentinel that “My conscience is held captive to the word of God, not to bureaucratic decree. And so I acted.”

Now, Polk County prosecutors have accused Cassidy of a more serious offense. A charging document made public Tuesday charges him with felony third-degree criminal mischief and notes that the act was committed "in violation of individual rights" under Iowa's hate crime statute.

"Evidence shows the defendant made statements to law enforcement and the public indicating he destroyed the property because of the victim’s religion," triggering the violation of individual rights enhancement, said Lynn Hicks, a spokesman for the Polk County Attorney's Office.

Cassidy's attorney, Sara Pasquale, declined to comment Tuesday on the new charge. In previous court filings, she has accused the Satanic Temple of making premature filings that, "like the timing and substance of the Satanic Temple of Iowa’s installation of a demonic statue in the capitol building... are only meant to evoke strong emotions and incite others."

Hicks said in a statement that based on information from the Satanic Temple, the cost to replace or repair the statue would be between $750 and $1,500, making its destruction an aggravated misdemeanor. (In fact, the Temple has filed a damage estimate putting the cost to replace the statute at $3,000.) What makes the charge a felony, Hicks said, is the hate crime statute.

Court records show Cassidy is scheduled to be arraigned on Feb. 15. He has raised more than $84,000 for his legal defense from nearly 2,000 supporters, according to fundraising site GiveSendGo.

William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at wrmorris2@registermedia.com or 715-573-8166.

 

[levitate]

Suspect accused of destroying Satanic display at Iowa Capitol charged with hate crime

Good.

 

[Pure Water]

Suspect accused of destroying Satanic display at Iowa Capitol charged with hate crime

A former congressional candidate from Mississippi who admitted destroying Satanic Temple's Baphomet idol at Iowa Capitol now faces a hate crime charge

www.desmoinesregister.com

Suspect accused of destroying Satanic display at Iowa Capitol charged with hate crime​

William Morris

Des Moines Register


A Mississippi man who admitted to destroying a statue of the pagan idol Baphomet at the Iowa Capitol has been charged with a hate crime.

The statue was part of a display organized by the Satanic Temple of Iowa under state rules allowing religious displays in the Iowa Capitol during the holidays. The installation drew strong criticism from state and national leaders, including Gov. Kim Reynolds and Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis. On Dec. 14, the centerpiece of the display, a figure depicting the horned deity Baphomet, was "destroyed beyond repair," according to the Satanic Temple of Iowa.

Michael Cassidy, a former congressional candidate from Mississippi, was charged the following day with fourth-degree criminal mischief, a misdemeanor. The Lauderdale, Mississippi, man told the conservative website The Sentinel that “My conscience is held captive to the word of God, not to bureaucratic decree. And so I acted.”

Now, Polk County prosecutors have accused Cassidy of a more serious offense. A charging document made public Tuesday charges him with felony third-degree criminal mischief and notes that the act was committed "in violation of individual rights" under Iowa's hate crime statute.

"Evidence shows the defendant made statements to law enforcement and the public indicating he destroyed the property because of the victim’s religion," triggering the violation of individual rights enhancement, said Lynn Hicks, a spokesman for the Polk County Attorney's Office.

Cassidy's attorney, Sara Pasquale, declined to comment Tuesday on the new charge. In previous court filings, she has accused the Satanic Temple of making premature filings that, "like the timing and substance of the Satanic Temple of Iowa’s installation of a demonic statue in the capitol building... are only meant to evoke strong emotions and incite others."

Hicks said in a statement that based on information from the Satanic Temple, the cost to replace or repair the statue would be between $750 and $1,500, making its destruction an aggravated misdemeanor. (In fact, the Temple has filed a damage estimate putting the cost to replace the statute at $3,000.) What makes the charge a felony, Hicks said, is the hate crime statute.

Court records show Cassidy is scheduled to be arraigned on Feb. 15. He has raised more than $84,000 for his legal defense from nearly 2,000 supporters, according to fundraising site GiveSendGo.

William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at wrmorris2@registermedia.com or 715-573-8166.

Get a felony because you can’t control your anger crehs

 

[Luke Cage]

I'm an agnostic that was raised by a Jehovah's witness.
Jehovah's Witness believe you should not celebrate any holidays, even birthdays. or engage in any public displays of worship.
As and agnostic i don't really see the purpose on any of that shyt anyway. So i never got into the emotional aspect of caring about whether other people have my beliefs or not.
So its always funny to me seeing people fight and act goofy over all this meaningless symbolism. i'm sure if God is real he would care about more meaningful tangible behavior. Like being a good person, over giving him praise and opposing people who do not. No way God would be all knowing, all powerful and still that petty.
I'm responsible for all creation and i'm supposed to care about you kicking over a lil statue? if you believe he's real, afford him some level of common sense. and decency. People treat God like he's the Elon Musk of deities.

 

[Kyle C. Barker]

Satanist crehs are the og trolls lol

 

[Adeptus Astartes]

When keeping it real goes wrong vol.666

Lol they mad