Authorities are investigating after an explosive device was thrown onto the porch of The Satanic Temple in Salem, Massachusetts. The incident occurred early Monday, with no one present in the building at the time. Staff arrived later in the day to find the device and assess the damage to the building, according to a news release from Salem police.
State police bomb technicians safely cleared the device, and explosives detection dogs were brought in to sweep the area for any additional threats. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also provided assistance in the investigation. Details regarding the extent of the damage have not been disclosed at this time.
The Satanic Temple, which claims to be the only federally recognized international nontheistic religious Satanic organization, is headquartered in Salem. The temple is housed in a former funeral parlor and features an art gallery with a permanent exhibit on Satanism, witch hunts, and moral panic. Members of the temple utilize the space for ceremonial events, meetings, and lectures.
This is not the first time that the temple has been targeted. Salem police have responded to bomb threats and possible hate crimes at the location in the past. In June 2022, a man was arrested on suspicion of arson related to an incident at the temple. Additionally, earlier this year, a Michigan man was arrested and charged with planning to bomb the temple in his state.
Salem police detectives have been collaborating with temple staff to investigate these prior incidents. The source has reached out to members of The Satanic Temple, as well as Salem police and the FBI, for further information on the ongoing investigation.
