An Oklahoma resident, Sean Patrick Palmer, was arrested and charged Wednesday for an alleged pipe bomb attack against the Massachusetts headquarters of The Satanic Temple.
The 49-year-old is accused of using an explosive to damage the Salem-based building, which also operates as an art gallery. If convicted, Palmer could serve up to 20 years in prison and face a fine of $250,000.
Surveillance footage captured a man approaching the building around 4 AM on April 8, wearing a facial covering, tactical vest, and gloves. He ignited an improvised explosive device before fleeing. Authorities say the bomb partially detonated, causing minor fire damage. DNA was uncovered from a single hair on the partially detonated device.
A six-page note urging repentance was found in a nearby flowerbed. Palmer had allegedly made similar comments on social media. Investigators also noted a black Volvo, registered to Palmer, acting erratically in the vicinity before and after the incident. Records affirmed that Palmer had recently purchased PVC pipe, the suspected bomb material, from a home improvement store in Oklahoma.
In 2023, the Satanic Temple erected an idol of the demon Baphomet in the Iowa State Capitol. Christian veteran Michael Cassidy beheaded the idol, resulting in his arrest. He was charged with a hate crime because the vandalism was motivated by “the victim’s religion,” according to the prosecutors.
Corporate media outlet POLITICO described Satanists as “people of faith” like Jews or Episcopalians earlier the same year, while Cosmopolitan magazine promoted Satanic abortions.
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