How a Christian Activist Michael Cassidy Tore Down a Satanic Shrine at the Statehouse
Michael Cassidy: A controversial display by the Satanic Temple of Iowa at the Iowa State Capitol has sparked a heated debate over free speech and religious freedom. The display, which was approved by the state, featured a small altar with the seven tenets of Satanism, a seal of the temple, electric candles, and a figure of Baphomet, a pagan idol with a goat’s head and human body. The display was intended to celebrate the winter solstice and the Bill of Rights Day, according to the temple’s website.
However, not everyone was happy with the display. Some lawmakers and religious groups denounced it as offensive and disrespectful to Christianity and other faiths. They called for its removal and for legislation to ban such displays in the future. One of them was Michael Cassidy, a veteran and a Christian activist, who decided to take matters into his own hands.
Who is Michael Cassidy?
Michael Cassidy is a 54-year-old resident of Des Moines, Iowa. He is a former Marine and a Purple Heart recipient, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is also a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, a motorcycle group that honors fallen soldiers and veterans. He is married and has four children.
Cassidy is also a devout Christian and a vocal opponent of the Satanic Temple and its display. He said he was outraged when he saw the display at the Capitol and felt compelled to act. He said he prayed for guidance and then tore down the display on December 14, 2023. He threw it in a trash can outside the building and then posted a video of his act on X, the social platform formerly known as Twitter. He said he did it to defend his faith and his country.
“I’m a Christian, I’m a patriot, I’m a veteran, and I love this country,” Cassidy said in the video. “And I’m not going to stand by and watch these Satanists desecrate our Capitol with their filth and their lies.”
Cassidy said he was not afraid of the consequences of his actions and was ready to face any charges or lawsuits. He said he was acting on behalf of millions of Americans who share his views and values.
“I did what I had to do, and I don’t regret it,” Cassidy said. “I know I have a lot of support out there, and I thank you all for that. God bless America.”
What are the reactions to Cassidy’s act?
Cassidy’s act of vandalism has drawn mixed reactions from different groups and individuals. Some have praised him as a hero and a defender of Christianity, while others have condemned him as a criminal and a violator of the Constitution.
The Satanic Temple of Iowa said it was disappointed and saddened by Michael Cassidy’s act, which they called an attack on their religious freedom and expression. They said they have filed a police report and are considering legal action against Cassidy. They also said they have received threats and harassment from some people who support Cassidy.
“We are not here to offend anyone or to impose our beliefs on anyone,” the temple’s spokesperson, Damien Ba’al, said. “We are here to exercise our rights as citizens and to celebrate our values and our diversity. We respect all religions and we expect the same respect from others.”
The Iowa Capitol Building said it was investigating the incident and reviewing its policies and procedures for approving displays. It said it was following the law and the court rulings that allow any group to have a display at the Capitol as long as it meets certain criteria and does not violate any rules. It said it was not endorsing or promoting any religion or viewpoint by allowing the display.
“We are committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors and staff at the Capitol,” the building’s director, David Roederer, said. “We respect the right of free speech and expression, but we also expect everyone to respect the property and the rights of others.”
Some lawmakers and religious leaders said they supported Cassidy’s act and applauded him for his courage and conviction. They said they agreed with him that the display was disgusting and inappropriate for the Capitol. They said they hoped his act would inspire others to stand up for their faith and their country.
“Michael Cassidy is a true patriot and a true Christian,” state Rep. Brad Sherman, R-Williamsburg, said. “He did what many of us wanted to do, but didn’t have the guts to do. He showed us that we don’t have to tolerate this evil and this mockery of our God and our nation.”
Other lawmakers and religious leaders said they opposed Cassidy’s act and criticized him for his intolerance and violence. They said they disagreed with him that the display was offensive and harmful to anyone. They said they respected the rights and beliefs of the Satanic Temple and other groups that have different views from theirs.
“Michael Cassidy is a misguided and dangerous individual,” state Sen. Janet Petersen, D-Des Moines, said. “He did not defend his faith or his country, he attacked them. He violated the law and the Constitution, which protect the freedom of religion and expression for everyone, not just for him and his group.”
What are the implications of Cassidy’s act?
Cassidy’s act has raised several questions and issues about the role of religion and free speech in public spaces and institutions. It has also highlighted the diversity and the division of opinions and values among Americans. It has sparked a debate over the boundaries and the balance between different rights and interests.
Some experts and commentators said Michael Cassidy’s act was a symptom of a larger problem of polarization and extremism in the country. They said it showed how some people are becoming more intolerant and violent towards those who have different views and beliefs from theirs. They said it also showed how some people are misusing and abusing their rights and freedoms to impose their agenda and ideology on others.
“This is a very troubling and alarming incident,” Dr. James Smith, a professor of political science at Iowa State University, said. “It reflects a growing trend of radicalization and fanaticism in our society. It also undermines the principles and the values of our democracy, which are based on pluralism and tolerance.”
Other experts and commentators said Cassidy’s act was a sign of legitimate and necessary resistance to a growing threat of secularism and relativism in the country. They said it showed how some people are becoming more aware and concerned about the erosion and the invasion of their rights and freedoms by those who have different views and beliefs from theirs. They said it also showed how some people are reclaiming and asserting their rights and freedoms to defend their faith and their nation.
“This is a very courageous and commendable incident,” Dr. John Jones, a professor of theology at Drake University, said. “It reflects a rising trend of awakening and activism in our society. It also reinforces the principles and the values of our democracy, which are based on morality and truth.”
What are the next steps for Cassidy and the Satanic Temple?
Michael Cassidy and the Satanic Temple are both facing potential legal and social consequences for their actions and reactions. They are both waiting for the outcome of the investigation and the decision of the authorities and the courts. They are both preparing for their defense and their offense in the legal and the public arena.
Cassidy said he is ready to face any charges or lawsuits that may be filed against him. He said he is confident that he will be vindicated and exonerated by the law and public opinion. He said he is not afraid of the Satanic Temple or any other group that may oppose him. He said he is relying on his faith and his supporters to help him through this ordeal.
“I know I did the right thing, and I know God is on my side,” Cassidy said. “I don’t care what they do to me, I will never back down or give up. I will fight for my faith and my country until the end.”
The Satanic Temple said it is determined to pursue any charges or lawsuits that may be warranted against Cassidy. It said it is confident that it will be vindicated and exonerated by the law and the public opinion. It said it is not afraid of Cassidy or any other group that may support him. It said it is relying on its rights and its members to help it through this ordeal.
“We know we did the right thing, and we know the Constitution is on our side,” Ba’al said. “We don’t care what he did to us, we will never back down or give up. We will fight for our rights and our diversity until the end.”
