The Satanic Temple’s display inside the Iowa State Capitol was destroyed on Thursday, according to police.
A spokesperson for the Iowa State Police told Fox News Digital that Michael Cassidy, 35, was arrested after allegedly tearing down the Iowa Satanic Temple’s Baphomet display.
He was charged with 4th-degree criminal mischief.
In a text message to Fox News Digital, Cassidy confirmed he tore down the satanic display, which was erected last week by The Satanic Temple of Iowa to represent the group’s right to religious freedom.
“It was extremely anti-Christian,” Cassidy told Fox News Digital when asked why he tore the statue down.
THE SATANIC TEMPLE SETS UP PUBLIC DISPLAY INSIDE IOWA CAPITOL BUILDING: ‘VERY DARK, EVIL FORCE’
Display that was erected at the Iowa Capitol by The Satanic Temple of Iowa last week. (Rep. Jon Dunwell)
Cassidy previously ran an unsuccessful campaign in 2022 to unseat Rep. Michael Guest, R-Miss.
The former congressional candidate didn’t elaborate on why he tore the statue down, but posted a Bible verse Thursday night to X after being charged.
“1 Peter 5:8 KJV Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour,” he posted.
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