(NewsInsights.org) – Michael Cassidy, a Navy veteran who ran as an “America First Conservative” candidate for Congress in the 2022 election, recently found himself in trouble. He admitted vandalizing a holiday display at the Iowa State Capitol on December 14. However, it wasn’t just any display. He removed and destroyed the head of a depiction of a horned demon named Baphomet that The Satanic Temple (TST) had included in their holiday display.
According to the Des Moines Register, Cassidy surrendered to police after committing the act. They charged him with fourth-degree criminal mischief. Shortly after, a crowdfunding campaign began on GiveSendGo for the Naval reservist’s legal defense. The campaign collected the initial goal of $20,000 within hours, but Cassidy reopened the campaign, saying he’d received word there could be additional charges. By 4 p.m., the campaign had reached nearly $40,000 in donations.
Turning Point USA reportedly donated $10,000, and others indicated they would also support Cassidy’s defense. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R), currently running for the GOP presidential nomination, posted his viewpoint on X, formerly Twitter. He opined that American society held no place for Satan and said he would contribute to the veteran’s defense.
The Iowa State Capitol allowed TST, a non-theistic religious organization, to contribute a display in keeping with state law. TST members say they don’t worship or believe in the literal biblical Satan. Instead, they use the literary idea of Satan to promote curiosity and skepticism.
On December 12, Governor Kim Reynolds (R-IA) released a statement regarding the TST display, calling it “absolutely objectionable.” Yet she told constituents, “In a free society, the best response to objectionable speech is more speech.” She encouraged people to join her in prayer at the Capitol.
Later that day, the governor posted to X without specifically mentioning the TST display. However, she noted that All Americans enjoy the right to free speech, but how they use it matters. She said the prayer service at the capitol proved that good triumphed over evil.
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