The leader of a Satanist group, Michael Stewart, was arrested following a fight inside the Kansas Statehouse when he attempted to hold a "black mass" inside the building. Previously, Stewart and other Satanists gathered outside the Statehouse, with a multitude of Christian and Catholic counter-protesters present at the time.
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According to the Kansas Reflector, the incident took place on Friday, March 28. Reportedly, Michael Stewart, president of the Satanic Grotto, gathered a crowd of Satanists outside the Kansas Capitol, with them singing prayers such as "Hail Satan." At the same time, a group of Christian/Catholic counter-protesters gathered around them, separated by barricades as they began to sing Christian hymns.
The event, as per Stewart and reported by Fox News, caught little attention initially. However, allegations raised by the Kansas City Catholic Archbishop, Joseph Naumann, caused many to become outraged over the planned "black mass." Archbishop Naumann, as per the New York Post, sued both Michael Stewart and fellow Satanic Grotto leader Travis Roberts. He alleged that they had stolen consecrated wine and hosts to use them at the "black mass." Stewart claimed he got the hosts from Amazon.
Host
At the outside gathering, Stewart can be seen holding a communion wafer and attempting to stomp on it. A counter-protester, who was near him, rushed him and threw himself toward the host. He was then escorted out of the area by law enforcement officers. It is not known if the host was consecrated or not. Reportedly, the counter-protester was able to retrieve the host.
Following the outside incidents, Stewart, alongside some of his entourage, entered the Kansas Statehouse. They were, however, warned that they were prohibited from carrying their "black mass" inside. Previously, Governor Laura Kelly banned all protests inside the Capitol after being pressured by Catholic groups.
"There are more constructive ways to protest and express disagreements without insulting or denigrating sacred religious symbols," Kelly said, as per the Post.
Tackled And Arrested
Despite the warning, Michael Stewart, as per KSNT, attempted to start the Satanic ritual inside the building. A counter-protestor, a 21-year-old man, attempted to stop him by grabbing his script.
After he attempted to grab it for a second time, Stewart began throwing punches. Officers arrested both men, tackling Stewart in the process. As he was taken from the rotunda, he was heard saying, "Hail Satan. I dedicate this building to Satan."
"The point of the Black Mass was to... just to show our space in the public circle," Stewart said before the incident took place. "To express our feelings and our hurt that's come from past traumas and really to give voice to our community in the public square here."
One Catholic counter-protestor, Kent Van Amburg, also spoke with KSNT and gave his remarks.
"We came here just for this because we feel it's important for us to stand up and show that God is real," he said. "Jesus is alive, the powers of evil need to be protested against and we're here just to glorify God."
Michael Stewart was charged with unlawful assembly and disorderly conduct. The 21-year-old man who attempted to grab his script was also charged with disorderly conduct. Two other of Stewart's followers, Jocelyn Frazee and Sean Anderson, were charged with unlawful assembly. Stewart was released on a $1,000 bond, as per the Post.
