By Micheal Chukwuebuka, Reporting
A man who attacked and beheaded a permitted statue of Baphomet, a winged creature with a goat head, put up by the Satanic Temple at Iowa’s Capital in December has been charged with a felony under the state’s hate crime statues.
Our source, NBC News, reported that Michael Cassidy, who was an unsuccessful Republican candidate for Mississippi’s state House of Representatives, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief in violation of individual rights.
The Polk County Attorney’s Office, on Tuesday, said:
“Evidence shows the defendant made statements to law enforcement and the public indicating he destroyed the property because of the victim’s religion.”
Stonix News reports that 36-year-old Cassidy had been charged with a misdemeanor. The enhanced charge is a class D felony under Iowa’s hate crime statues.
Recall that Cassidy, of Lauderdale, ran for Mississippi State House District 45 as a Republican but was defeated in November, 2023, by Democrat Keith Jackson by 55% to 38%.
His is described as a former Navy pilot and Christian conservative who loves his country.
Cassidy appeared on Fox News days after he beheaded the statue, calling it Christian civil disobedience.
Reacting to the vandalism, Minister Mortimer Adramelech of the Satanic Temple of Iowa told our source, NBC News, that the display was there for the holidays.
“All religions have equal rights in the public forum under the First Amendment of the Constitution.
“As Americans, we have every right to be here just like anyone else.” Adramelech said.
According to the county prosecutor’s office, the display was damaged beyond repair.
“The Polk County Attorney’s Office seeks fair and just resolutions of all cases, as we continue to apply the law equally to all, regardless of religion, race, sexual orientation, or economic status,” the office said Tuesday.
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