A Mississippi man has been charged with criminal mischief for allegedly vandalizing the Satanic Temple of Iowa’s Baphomet display in the Capitol building Thursday.The Iowa Department of Public Safety says 35-year-old Michael Cassidy of Lauderdale, Mississippi, was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. He has since been released. “I would never do that to somebody else’s property, and I don’t think it’s right that other people, based on their beliefs, think that they can do that just because they don’t like it,” said Jessica Cornish-Tilstra, who drove three-and-a-half hours with her daughter in-part to see the display.Cornish-Tilsa tells KCCI she feels that the display is a form of inclusion, especially during this time of the year when there’s more than one holiday. Earlier this month, the Satanic Temple of Iowa set up the display, which features a ram’s head covered with mirrors on a mannequin cloaked in red clothing, as a symbol of their right to religious freedom, according to co-founder Lucien Greaves.Temple leaders intended to take down the display Friday morning. They posted the following message to the group’s Facebook page on Thursday:“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!”The display has drawn scorn from Gov. Kim Reynolds, who called it “absolutely objectionable,” and Republican lawmakers, including one who is pushing for a ban on satanic displays on state-owned property.Shellie Flockhart, who organized a prayer group opposing the display last week, tells KCCI she didn’t agree with the display being there but understands that everyone has a right to free speech. “To me, it felt harassing,” said Flockhart, who says she’s since received backlash following the prayer group last week. “That entire thing felt like it was an attack on our State, on our legislators, on our governor.” Flockhart says she feels like Cassidy is up for Iowa and the nation. The Satanic Temple says it is a federally recognized non-theistic group that uses satanic symbols as a way to convey its message. Their website says the group does not worship Satan or believe in the existence of Satan.» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google PlayGet the latest headlines from KCCI
A Mississippi man has been charged with criminal mischief for allegedly vandalizing the Satanic Temple of Iowa’s Baphomet display in the Capitol building Thursday.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety says 35-year-old Michael Cassidy of Lauderdale, Mississippi, was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. He has since been released.
“I would never do that to somebody else’s property, and I don’t think it’s right that other people, based on their beliefs, think that they can do that just because they don’t like it,” said Jessica Cornish-Tilstra, who drove three-and-a-half hours with her daughter in-part to see the display.
Cornish-Tilsa tells KCCI she feels that the display is a form of inclusion, especially during this time of the year when there’s more than one holiday.
Earlier this month, the Satanic Temple of Iowa set up the display, which features a ram’s head covered with mirrors on a mannequin cloaked in red clothing, as a symbol of their right to religious freedom, according to co-founder Lucien Greaves.
Temple leaders intended to take down the display Friday morning.
They posted the following message to the group’s Facebook page on Thursday:
“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!”
The display has drawn scorn from Gov. Kim Reynolds, who called it “absolutely objectionable,” and Republican lawmakers, including one who is pushing for a ban on satanic displays on state-owned property.
Shellie Flockhart, who organized a prayer group opposing the display last week, tells KCCI she didn’t agree with the display being there but understands that everyone has a right to free speech.
“To me, it felt harassing,” said Flockhart, who says she’s since received backlash following the prayer group last week. “That entire thing felt like it was an attack on our State, on our legislators, on our governor.”
Flockhart says she feels like Cassidy is up for Iowa and the nation.
The Satanic Temple says it is a federally recognized non-theistic group that uses satanic symbols as a way to convey its message. Their website says the group does not worship Satan or believe in the existence of Satan.
» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play
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