A veteran who is charged with a hate crime after he decapitated a Satanic statue erected in Iowa’s state capitol has been targeted because of his ‘conservative Christian faith’, his attorney has claimed.
Details of the Incident
Michael Cassidy, 36, faces five years in prison after he destroyed the figure, which was installed as part of a festive display, in December. He said he was ‘outraged’ by the ‘blasphemous’ effigy.
Court Ruling
Prosecutors in Polk County initially charged Cassidy, a flight instructor and former Navy pilot, with fourth-degree criminal mischief, a misdemeanor related to destruction of property.
But the charge was suddenly escalated last week to ‘third-degree criminal mischief in violation of individual rights’, which is a hate crime under Iowa state law.
His attorney, David Yountz said he is ‘very concerned’ that the dramatic escalation is because of Cassidy’s ‘conservative Christian faith’.
Victim Impact Statement
Yountz added: ‘I certainly believe that he is being uniquely targeted for this type of enhancement [of the charge].
‘There are many other cases in the state of Iowa and nationwide where individuals have vandalized or destroyed Christian symbols and other religious symbols, some Jewish symbols that have not been charged at all, or not been charged with a hate crime.’
There Are Inconsistencies
Cassidy’s attorney said the apparent inconsistence was ‘a significant concern’.
‘Initially, he was cited for a misdemeanor, a low level misdemeanor offense related to destruction of property, that would be more consistent. There are many cases where individuals have done something like this and not been charged at all.
‘But those that have been charged – his original charge was fairly consistent with those that have been charged.’
The Satanic Temple of Iowa
The statue was brought to the Capitol by the Satanic Temple of Iowa under state rules allowing religious displays in the building during the holidays.
The figure, depicting the horned deity Baphomet, was erected in December during a ceremony led by a ‘minister of the Satanic Temple’, Mortimer Adramelech.
The decision to allow the statue drew strong criticism from state and national leaders, including Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Florida Gov. and presidential candidate Ron DeSantis, both Republicans.
