SALEM, Mass. – Federal and local authorities have launched an investigation after an explosive device was thrown onto the porch of The Satanic Temple (TST). There were no injuries, and TST was not open at the time of the attack. “This was a horrific act of terrorism and people could be hurt,” said Lucien Greaves, one of the co-founders of The Satanic Temple (TST).
Let’s reinforce one issue first: TST is not a Pagan organization, but its societal work is highly adjacent to many Pagan endeavors. It is a non-theistic religious and activist organization that advocates for the separation of church and state, social justice, and individual freedoms. It was founded in 2013 by Lucien Greaves and several others. The organization uses Satanic imagery and symbolism, but its beliefs are not based on the worship of a literal Satan. Rather, it uses these references as metaphorical symbols to represent rebellion against tyranny, free inquiry, and personal autonomy, as well as to challenge religious privilege and promote secularism.
The Satanic Temple logo
The device was thrown in the early morning hours. The event was captured on TST surveillance cameras. The video shows a lit object, apparently an improvised explosive device, thrown onto the TST porch from the other side of the property’s fence. The device was launched at approximately 4:14 AM on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
According to reports, at approximately 4 p.m., the Massachusetts State Police bomb squad and Salem Police arrived at TST headquarters at 64 Bridge Street in Salem, nearly 12 hours after reports of an improvised explosive device being thrown onto the porch of the Satanic Temple.
EXPLOSIVE DEVICE DISCOVERED: @SalemMAPolice and the FBI are investigating at @satanic_temple_ after they say a pipe bomb was thrown on the porch early Monday morning. It was found almost 12 hours later. “It was apparently sparking and there were flames” said Lucien Greaves. pic.twitter.com/NMojbgYOdY
— Ryan Breslin (@ryanjbreslin) April 9, 2024
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force has since joined the investigation, collaborating with the Salem Police Criminal Investigation Division and other authorities. Upon arrival, the bomb squad secured the device and ensured it was no longer a threat. Authorities also secured the property, while K9 units thoroughly searched in and around the Satanic Temple for any potential secondary devices.
Greaves said that the device “fizzled out, but scorched some of the side of the house.” There was some damage to the building, and neighbors reportedly heard a loud noise, which they mistook for a truck hitting a pothole.
“Police investigate bombing at Salem Satanic Temple”https://t.co/NP0KiDMl18
— Lucien Greaves (@LucienGreaves) April 9, 2024
USA TODAY reported that state police spokesperson Dave Procopio said, “Upon impact, the item caused a flash of fire in several areas on the porch before self-extinguishing.” At the scene, the team found “a cylindrical PVC object filled with a black powder” near the porch designed “to cause detonation and inflict injuries.”
Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo said in a statement, “Yesterday, the Satanic Temple here in Salem was the target of a terrorist attack,” said Pangallo. “While I am glad no one was injured in this attack, I nevertheless condemn this action in the strongest possible way.” He referred to the attack as “utterly reprehensible.”
This assault wasn’t the first of its kind on The Satanic Temple. Earlier this year, a man was arrested in Michigan and faced charges of plotting an attack on the TST building, while another individual was arrested and charged with arson in 2022.
The investigation into the bomb attack is ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to call the Salem Police Department at (978) 745-9700 or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. Anonymous tips can also be left by calling (978) 744-0171, ext. 50116, or online at tips.fbi.gov.
Pangallo stated that the city will work to enhance security measures in the area to ensure the safety of all individuals.
Greaves said he is confident that investigators will identify the individual responsible for throwing the explosive device onto the porch during the early morning hours.
The Satanic Temple released a statement on Twitter/X saying: “Thank you for standing with us.”
Thank you for standing with us.
-The Satanic Temple pic.twitter.com/aL3WZBEQPM
— The Satanic Temple (@satanic_temple_) April 9, 2024
The Wild Hunt will continue to follow this story.
The Wild Hunt is not responsible for links to external content.
To join a conversation on this post:
Visit our The Wild Hunt subreddit! Point your favorite browser to https://www.reddit.com/r/The_Wild_Hunt_News/, then click “JOIN”. Make sure to click the bell, too, to be notified of new articles posted to our subreddit.