A Christian Navy veteran toppled a satanic statue at the Iowa Capitol after finding others were keen only to virtually signal their displeasure.

Unlike many of the leftists who toppled hundreds of historic statues across the nation amidst the BLM riots, former Mississippi congressional candidate Michael Cassidy immediately assumed responsibility for his actions and turned himself into the authorities. He now faces likely legal action from the Satanic Temple.

Conservatives appreciative of the effort have, however, made sure that Cassidy has what he needs for the legal battles ahead, topping off his legal defense fund inside three hours.

What's the background?

The Satanic Temple is an atheistic leftist organization that has sought to ensure that women can legally have their unborn children killed by way of their "religious abortion ritual"; held a demonization ceremony in protest of the canonization of the Catholic Spanish priest Junípero Serra; distributed satanic literature to children; publicly performed "unbaptisms"; and erected statues of Baphomet on public property in multiple states.

Blaze News previously indicated that the temple, formerly included on Fox News' internal list of charities eligible for donation matches, also runs an online clinic out of New Mexico that distributes abortion drugs, which the group has dubbed "Samuel Alito's Mom's Satanic Abortion Clinic."

Last week, the Satanic Temple of Iowa installed an altar on the first floor of the Iowa Capitol along with a caped figure of what appears to be ram-headed Baphomet holding a red pentacle. USA Today indicated that the installation included a display of the anti-Christian organization's "seven fundamental tenets," including "the freedom to offend."

While ostensibly intended to antagonize Christians ahead of Christmas, Lucien Greaves, co-founder of the Satanic Temple, claimed that the statue was not intended to be insulting.

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The initial response

Various lawmakers called on Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) to remove the installation.

State Rep. Brad Sherman (R), a pastor, noted in a newsletter that the preamble of the state constitution expressly states there is "One Supreme God"; that blessings over the state come from that "Supreme Being"; that "we must depend upon the One Supreme God if we want to enjoy continued blessings."

"It is a tortured and twisted interpretation of law that affords Satan, who is universally understood to be the enemy of God, religious expression equal to God in an institution of government that depends upon God for continued blessings," wrote Sherman.

"If we claim to believe in the One Supreme Being, the God of all creation, we cannot claim an exemption from obedience to Him in things relating to civil government."

State Rep. Jon Dunwell (R), also a pastor, alternatively explained why the statue was permissible in a post on X: "Currently, access for displays at the Capitol are open to anyone through an application process. Though there are some guidelines, they do not discriminate on the basis of religion or ideology. Displays are permitted to be displayed for two weeks."

Dunwell added, "The Satanic Temple petitioned for their display in August and were approved with some modification. They wanted to use an actual goat head (I'm assuming a skull) and we're [sic] prohibited from doing so."

Dunwell acknowledged that the display "glorifies the evil influence we oppose" but defended it on legal grounds, suggesting the "primary response required is prayer."

Gov. Reynolds called the display "objectionable" and encouraged "all those of faith to join [her] today in praying over the Capitol."

Satanic Temple co-founder Greaves stated, "I would hope that even people who disagree with the symbolism behind our values, whether they know what those values [are] or not, would at least appreciate that it's certainly a greater evil to allow the government to pick and choose between forms of religious expression."

Baphomet beheaded

Within hours of liking a post by Blaze News columnist Auron MacIntyre, which stated, "Periodic reminder that the religious right were correct about everything," Cassidy headed to the state Capitol and decapitated the Baphomet statue. The former Navy officer then took the ram head and chucked it into a garbage can.

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Cassidy, a former F/A-18 Hornet pilot who did a tour on the USS George Washington, told the Sentinel his intention was to "awaken Christians to the anti-Christian acts promoted by our government."

"The world may tell Christians to submissively accept the legitimization of Satan, but none of the founders would have considered government sanction of Satanic altars inside Capitol buildings as protected by the First Amendment," said Cassidy. "Anti-Christian values have steadily been mainstreamed more and more in recent decades, and Christians have largely acted like the proverbial frog in the boiling pot of water."

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After dismantling the controversial statue, the veteran turned himself in to police without incident. He was ultimately charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief.

The Satanic Temple Iowa said in a Thursday statement, "This morning, we were informed by authorities that the Baphomet statue in our holiday display was destroyed beyond repair. ... [J]ustice is being pursued the correct way, through legal means. Solve et Coagula! Happy Holidays! Hail Satan!"

Greaves called Cassidy a "coward" and claimed the statue toppling was a "Hate Crime."

As Cassidy was charged and faces likely legal action from the leftist group, the Sentinel started a GiveSendGo campaign to raise $20,000 for the veteran's legal defense. The money was raised in less than three hours.

Turning Point USA CEO Charlie Kirk indicated that his organization had pledged $10,000 to the fund, stating, "We stand with Satan Slayer, @VoteCassidy." Daily Wire commentator Matt Walsh was among the others who also chipped in, donating $1,000.

Cassidy later quoted scripture online, tweeting, "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."

Satanic Temple Sets Up Display in Iowa State Houseyoutu.be

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