Michael Cassidy, a 35-year-old Navy veteran, was charged with a “hate crime” on Tuesday after he admitted to beheading a Satanic statue that was on display in the Iowa State Capitol building last month.
Cassidy, a Christian who lives in Mississippi and previously ran for a congressional seat, was arrested and charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief after beheading the statue.
Court documents now say that the damage done to the statue will cost between $750 and $1,500 to repair, and prosecutors allege that Cassidy acted “in violation of individual rights” under Iowa’s hate crime statute, KCCI reported.
The documents also note that in light of new evidence, his charge has been upped to third-degree criminal mischief, a class D felony.
“Evidence shows the defendant made statements to law enforcement and the public indicating he destroyed the property because of the victim’s religion,” said Lynn Hicks, a spokesman for the Polk County Attorney’s Office, according to the Des Moines Register.
The Satanic Temple of Iowa had received permission from the state to display a Baphomet statue in the state capitol building, and it was reportedly set up near Nativity displays showcased for the Christmas holiday.
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