Woman Arrested for Vandalizing Florida Satanic Display
A Florida woman wearing a "Catholic Warrior" t-shirt was arrested after police say she vandalized a Satanic Temple holiday display in the lobby of the Florida Capitol.
Susan Hemeryck told Florida Department of Law Capitol Police officers she had "to take down the Satanic display" before attempting to remove the display Tuesday, reports the Tallahassee Democrat. After officers instructed the 54-year-old woman to put the display back she allegedly began to rip the display apart.
The alleged vandalism is just the latest legal drama for the Satanic Temple's holiday display.
Display the Result of Legal Battle
This year's Satanic Temple's display comes after the group was denied permission last year when Florida's Department of Management Services found the group's display "grossly offensive." But with the help of the Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the Satanic Temple was able to get the Department's approval for this year's display, which joins a display marking the fictional holiday of Festivus in the Florida Capitol.
The Satanic Temple's display reads "Happy Holiday From the Satanic Temple" and portrays an angel tumbling from the clouds into a pit of fire. The display was set up on Monday.
Woman Charged With Criminal Mischief
According to police, Hemeryck told officers she thought the display was "not right" as she attempted to remove the display. After officers stopped her and informed her that removing the display was against the law, she allegedly said she "could not take it anymore" and began tearing at the display.
Hemeryck was charged with criminal mischief. Under Florida criminal law, criminal mischief is a second-degree misdemeanor if the damage to property is less than $200. If convicted, Hemeryck could face up to 60 days behind bars and a fine of up to $500.
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