Mississippi Ex-Candidate Faces Hate Crime Charge for Destroying Satanic Display

Former congressional candidate and Navy veteran, Michael Cassidy of Mississippi, is facing a felony count of third-degree criminal mischief, considered a hate crime in Iowa, for destroying a Satanic display inside the state's capitol building. The display, created by the Satanic Temple of Iowa, featured a ram-headed figure and an altar. The act, motivated by bias against religion, has led to the upgrading of Cassidy's initial charge from fourth degree criminal mischief. The Satanic Temple's display, which symbolized their right to religious freedom, drew strong criticism from state and national leaders. The damage caused by the destruction is estimated at $1,500, violating individual rights under Iowa's hate crime statute.