Explosive Device Thrown at The Satanic Temple in Massachusetts, No Injuries Reported

On Monday, April 8, 2024, an explosive device was thrown onto the porch of The Satanic Temple in Massachusetts. Fortunately, no one was inside the building at the time and no injuries were reported.

The device was thrown onto the porch at approximately 4:14 a.m. However, it was not discovered until staff arrived around 4 p.m. the same day.

State police bomb technicians confirmed that the device no longer posed a danger. Additionally, police dogs were deployed to sweep the location for other potential devices. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives provided assistance in the matter.

Past Incidents

The police did not provide specific details on the damage caused by the device. Notably, this was not the first time the temple had been targeted. In the past, there were reports of bomb threats and hate crimes directed at the temple. In 2022, an individual faced charges related to a fire set at the temple, including arson, destruction of a place of worship, and civil rights violations.

Similarly, in January, a man was charged with a hate crime for destroying a statue of a pagan idol at Iowa's state Capitol, which had been placed there by the Satanic Temple of Iowa in accordance with state rules regarding religious displays during the holidays.

About The Satanic Temple

Established in 2013 and based in Salem, Massachusetts, The Satanic Temple emphasizes that it does not worship Satan. Instead, it identifies as a "non-theistic religious organization" advocating for secularism. It is important to note that it is distinct from the Church of Satan, which has a separate origin dating back to the 1960s.