DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A Mississippi man accused of destroying a statue of a pagan idol at Iowa's state Capitol is now being charged with a hate crime.
The statue was brought to the Capitol by the Satanic Temple of Iowa under state rules allowing religious displays in the building during the holidays.
The move drew strong criticism from state and national leaders, including Iowa Gov.
In previous court filings, she has accused the Satanic Temple of making filings that "are only meant to evoke strong emotions and incite others.”Cassidy is scheduled to be arraigned Feb. 15.
Founded in 2013, the Salem, Massachusetts-based Satanic Temple says it doesn’t believe in Satan but describes itself as a “non-theistic religious organization” that advocates for secularism.
Persons:
Kim Reynolds, Ron DeSantis, Baphomet, Michael Cassidy, ”, Cassidy, ” Lynn Hicks, Sara Pasquale, ” Cassidy
Organizations:
DES, Capitol, Iowa Gov, Florida Gov, Sentinel, Des Moines Register, Attorney’s
Locations:
DES MOINES, Iowa, Mississippi, Polk County, Polk, Salem , Massachusetts