'Satan has no place in our society': DeSantis says he'll donate to legal defense of man who toppled Baphomet statue

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced that he will donate to the legal defense fund for the man who toppled a Baphomet statue placed in the Iowa Capitol by the Satanic Temple Iowa.

"Satan has no place in our society and should not be recognized as a 'religion' by the federal government. I'll chip in to contribute to this veteran's legal defense fund," DeSantis wrote. "Good prevails over evil -- that's the American spirit."

The governor, who is currently vying for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, has previously indicated that he is Roman Catholic.

Michael Cassidy, who "pushed over and decapitated the statue," and then placed its head in a garbage can, according to a report by the Republic Sentinel, thanked DeSantis for the support.

"My deepest hope is that Americans of all political persuasions can unite and agree that: 1. Jesus Christ is Lord 2. Satan is evil," the Christian conservative and former Navy F/A-18 Hornet pilot tweeted.

On X, Cassidy describes himself as a "Christian, Test Pilot, Navy Reserve Instructor Pilot, America First Conservative" and "former Congressional Candidate MS-03." Last year, he lost the Republican primary runoff for the U.S. House seat in Mississippi's 3rd Congressional District. Then just last month, he lost a general election for a seat in the Mississippi House of Representatives.

The Sentinel, which reported that Cassidy turned himself in to authorities and has been charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief, launched a GiveSendGo fundraiser to support Cassidy's legal defense. The fundraiser was paused per Cassidy's direction because the initial $20,000 goal was swiftly reached, but it has since been reopened. So far, more than $43,000 has been raised.

"I've been notified of more potential legal charges unfortunately, so I've opened the legal fund donation back up. All donations in excess of what is directly related to my defense shall be donated to a Christian legal fund. Thank you again," Cassidy tweeted.

"Lots of people are asking me how they can help. Truly this is how you can help," Cassidy tweeted, telling Christians to "joyfully spread the Gospel and strengthen your faith in Jesus" and non-Christians to "Talk to your Christian friends or local church and learn about Jesus."

The Satanic Temple Iowa said in a Facebook post, "We were informed by authorities that the Baphomet statue in our holiday display was destroyed beyond repair. We are proud to continue our holiday display for the next few days that we have been allotted."

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