Kansas satanists plan new protest, won't face charges in Catholic clash at Statehouse
Law enforcement officers inside the Kansas Capitol rotunda tackle and detain Michael Stewart, president of the Satanic Grotto organization, for violating a permit that limited protests to the exterior of the building. Hundreds of Catholics conducted a counter-protest in opposition of Satanic Grotto's presence in Topeka. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)
TOPEKA — Members of the Kansas satanist group appear to be off the hook for criminal charges that stemmed from a highly anticipated, hotly criticized black mass demonstration at the Statehouse that resulted in clashes with Catholics and, ultimately, their arrests.
Shawnee County prosecutors decided Wednesday not to pursue charges against Michael Stewart, leader of the Satanic Grotto, and two other group members. After the court hearing, Stewart returned to the Statehouse to discuss the details of his next protest with law enforcement.
Attracting nationwide attention, Stewart's satanic protest in March drew ire from elected and religious officials. Hundreds gathered at the Statehouse in Topeka on March 28, some in support of the satanic organization, which is a nonprofit not affiliated with the Church of Satan, and others in vehement opposition.
About 11:30 a.m., following speeches, prayers, chants and sign-waving on the lawn of the Statehouse in Topeka, Stewart entered the building to perform a satanic ceremony, called the black mass, which can involve desecrating a host. Across the street, a Catholic mass and prayer service took place, where archbishop of Kansas City Joseph Naumann lambasted nonbelievers. Naumann also tried to sue Stewart before the protests, falsely accusing him of stealing a consecrated host.
Stewart had a permit to demonstrate outside on Statehouse grounds and was warned as he entered the building that any protest would violate that permit.
He walked to the first-floor rotunda, accompanied by supporters, reporters and watchful counter-protestors and began a dedication to Satan.
A man and woman with young children interrupted him, physically intervening. Stewart turned away, and then a counter-protestor, Marcus Schroeder, attempted twice to grab papers from Stewart's hands. On Schroeder's second reach, Stewart punched him twice in the face before a law enforcement officer took his legs out from underneath him.
Stewart and two supporters were booked in jail and charged with unlawful gathering. Stewart faced an additional charge of disorderly conduct.
At a hearing Wednesday, county prosecutors said they don't plan to pursue charges at this time, Stewart told Kansas Reflector. However, the statute of limitations lasts five years.
A call to the Shawnee County District Attorney's Office seeking confirmation of the charges was not immediately returned Wednesday.
After the hearing, Stewart traveled a few blocks to the Capitol building, where he talked about plans for a nighttime protest in August with a law enforcement officer to preemptively soothe any concerns.
Planned for early August, Stewart envisions the 'Witches Hour Protest' taking place from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. on the Statehouse's south lawn.
He plans to extend the invitation to Wiccans, pagans and 'any kind of witchy inclined hippie we can find.'
'We're happy that we're able to get back at it,' Stewart said.
He added the members of the grotto have been 'restless,' as they awaited their fate.
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