Iowa Man Charged with Hate Crime for Destroying Satanic Temple Altar
TL;DR
Michael Cassidy, a former Republican candidate, has been charged with a felony under Iowa's hate crime statutes for destroying a Satanic Temple altar at the Iowa Capitol, citing the victim's religion as the reason for his actions. The display, which was put up for the holidays, was damaged beyond repair. The Satanic Temple of Iowa emphasized their right to be in the public forum under the First Amendment, while Cassidy described his actions as "Christian civil disobedience" on Fox News.
- Man who destroyed Satanic Temple altar in Iowa charged under hate crime law NBC News
- Iowa Capitol Satanic display vandalism draws hate crime charge Des Moines Register
- Navy Reserve veteran charged with hate crime for beheading Satanic statue in Iowa State Capitol Fox News
- Man accused of destroying Satanic Temple display at Iowa Capitol is now charged with hate crime The Associated Press
- Mississippi man charged with third-degree criminal mischief in violation of individual rights Polk County Iowa (.gov)
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