Satanic Grotto leader detained in Kansas Statehouse Black Mass scuffle

Police on Friday detained the self-described leader of a Satanic group that planned to hold a Black Mass on Kansas Statehouse grounds, following an incident inside the building, local news reported.

Michael Stewart, leader of the Satanic Grotto, entered the building around 11:30 a.m. Law enforcement officers told him he was welcome to enter but couldn’t demonstrate inside the Statehouse. Video of the incident posted by WIBW-TV appears to show Stewart entering the rotunda area and reciting a dedication to Satan. Several counterprotesters confronted him. Police tackled Stewart and led him away after he and another man began shoving each other, according to KSNT News.

The Satanic Grotto originally got permission to hold its Black Mass inside the building, but Kansas Governor Laura Kelly ordered the event moved outside due to concerns about its content.

The nonprofit Satanic corporation planned to hand out miniature Black Mass kits including consecrated bread and wine and conduct a ritual desecration of the elements. The group’s Facebook event description said they would dedicate the Kansas Statehouse and legislature to Satan. Stewart planned to enter and be arrested as an act of civil disobedience.

Several hundred people protesting against the Black Mass gathered with permission outside the Statehouse on Friday. About 20 people came in support of Stewart. Individuals reciting the Hail Mary and Christian prayers inside the rotunda were not detained, local news reported.

What was Stewart’s goal? In a Thursday live video posted to social media, Stewart said he did not believe in Satan as a spiritual entity, but wanted to show that religious freedom is for everyone. He also said he admired what he called Satanic qualities of rebellion and trust in oneself. Stewart also discussed his spiritual background in the video, saying he grew up attending several Christian denominations including Assemblies of God before rejecting religion.

Besides the counterprotest, what other moves did people make against Stewart’s plan? The Kansas House of Representatives on Thursday passed in a 101-15 vote a resolution condemning the planned event as an act of anti-Catholic bigotry.

The Archdiocese of Kansas City also sued the Satanic Grotto, alleging that the organization wrongfully obtained consecrated bread and wine that it planned to desecrate during its ritual. But the district court of Leavenworth County dismissed the suit, local news reported.