Salem, Massachusetts, known for its historical trials involving accusations of witchcraft, now faces a different kind of controversy. Police reported that an explosive device was thrown onto the porch of The Satanic Temple in the city, causing damage that went unnoticed for nearly 12 hours as no one was present at the time of the incident. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from this unsettling act.
State police bomb technicians swiftly responded to ensure the safety of the area, while police dogs meticulously searched for any additional devices that may pose a threat. Assistance from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was also enlisted, with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force joining the investigation to uncover the motive behind this attack.
The device was hurl’d onto the porch in the early hours of Monday, but it wasn’t until later in the day when staff arrived that the alarming discovery was made. Although details on the extent of the damage were not disclosed by the police, this incident is not the first time the temple has faced threats and acts of vandalism.
Previous incidents involving bomb threats and hate crimes have plagued the temple’s history, including a case in 2022 where a man faced charges for arson and destruction of a place of worship after allegedly setting fire to the building. Additionally, in January, another individual was charged with a hate crime for destroying a statue of a pagan idol at Iowa’s state Capitol, an action that stemmed from the Satanic Temple of Iowa’s display in accordance with state regulations.
Established in 2013, The Satanic Temple, based in Salem, Massachusetts, distinguishes itself as a non-theistic religious organization advocating for secularism, despite its name. It deviates from the Church of Satan, founded in the 1960s, by its beliefs and principles. As investigations into this recent incident unfold, the community and authorities are left to grapple with the unsettling reality of violence and hatred directed towards religious institutions.