Michael Stewart, president of the Satanic Grotto based in the Kansas City area, was arrested during a controversial protest involving a planned Black Mass. He, along with fellow group members Jocelyn Frazee and Sean Anderson, was charged with unlawful assembly. The protest became a flashpoint in an ongoing debate over religious freedom and government neutrality toward religion.
The Satanic Grotto, consisting of around 30 members, organized the demonstration to challenge what they see as the state’s preferential treatment of Christian groups, particularly the allowance of prayer meetings inside the Statehouse. Stewart had planned to lead a Black Mass to highlight their demand for the separation of church and state, choosing a date when he believed the Kansas Legislature would be in session—though lawmakers had recessed the day prior.
Tensions escalated when Stewart reportedly became involved in a physical altercation with 21-year-old Marcus Schroeder, who attempted to take a paper from him. According to ABC News, Stewart slapped Schroeder, which led to Kansas Highway Patrol officers tackling and arresting him.
Schroeder, who was also taken into custody for disorderly conduct, had joined other church members to counter-protest. A friend of his claimed Schroeder was trying to assist Karla Delgado, a woman who had approached Stewart with a petition, rather than instigate violence.
Delgado, who brought her children to the Capitol to oppose the event, criticized authorities for not intervening sooner. She said that when it appeared Stewart was proceeding with the ceremony despite restrictions, she and others felt compelled to take action themselves.
The protest drew a large crowd, including hundreds of Christian counter-protesters who gathered outside the Capitol, singing hymns and urging the Satanic Grotto members to embrace Christianity. Governor Laura Kelly had previously banned indoor protests at the Capitol in response to concerns from Catholic organizations. The Kansas Legislature and the state’s Catholic Bishops condemned the planned Black Mass, calling it a display of anti-Catholic sentiment.
Despite the conflict and arrests, the demonstration raised questions about constitutional rights concerning free speech and religious expression. Some members of the Satanic Grotto, including atheists and others who view Satan as a metaphor for autonomy, defended their right to assemble. Group member Amy Dorsey pointed out that Christian events had been held at the same venue, which they saw as justification for their own protest.
Following his release on a $1,000 bond, Stewart stated that he was not discouraged by the backlash. He hinted that the group might return to the Statehouse next year to continue advocating for religious equality, despite pushback from state officials and religious groups.
