Veteran Who Decapitated Satanic Statue Charged With Hate Crime

The devout Christian Navy veteran who proudly admitted to dismantling a satanic statue in Iowa’s State House on December 15 has been charged with a hate crime.

Michael Cassidy, 35, a former Navy pilot and former Mississippi Republican congressional candidate who currently works as a flight instructor, was initially charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief upon turning himself in after destroying the display erected by the Satanic Temple in the Iowa Capitol. The display depicted the idol Baphomet holding a pentacle surrounded by candles.

Despite being released soon after his arrest, he has since been charged with a hate crime — with officials claiming that the act was committed “in violation of individual rights.”

This claim, along with estimates that the damage allegedly cost between $750 and $1,500, was cited as the reason his charges were updated to a third-degree criminal mischief charge, which is a Class D felony, and a hate crime. Cassidy is facing a fine of up to $7,500 and a maximum of five years in prison if convicted. His next hearing is scheduled for February 15.

Following the incident, numerous prominent conservative figures offered to “chip in” to fund Cassidy’s legal fees — including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), who pointed out that “Satan has no place in our society and should not be recognized as a ‘religion’ by the federal government.”

Turning Point USA CEO Charlie Kirk also announced that his organization would be pledging $10,000 to Cassidy’s defense fund, while Daily Wire host Matt Walsh donated $1,000 and commentator Rogan O’Handley, known on social media as “DC Draino,” donated $300. As of Wednesday evening, the fundraiser for Cassidy’s defense had raised more than $110,000.

Meanwhile, following the announcement of Cassidy being charged with a hate crime, conservatives on social media were quick to point out the fact that leftists have been destroying statues across the U.S. during so-called “protests” — but none of them have been charged with hate crimes thus far.

“Violent activists tore down dozens of statues including Columbus, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. None were held accountable or charged with a hate crime. Michael Cassidy knocks over a Satan statue made out of household items and gets charged with a hate crime. Welcome to America’s 2-tier justice system. The police state made it clear who they worship. Wokeness and Satanism is the new religion,” wrote popular X account Libs of TikTok.

Podcast host and journalist Tim Pool also discussed the charges in a video on YouTube, detailing the clear double standard and noting that the left controls the levers of power, thus the right needs to regain control of the institutions to prevent satanic statues from even being displayed in government buildings.

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