The Satanic Temple’s Baphomet monument near Concord, New Hampshire, was vandalized just days after its unveiling, according to state Rep. Ellen Read.
The monument, featuring the occult deity Baphomet with yellow eyes, was placed near the Nativity scene by permit to avoid potential legal issues. But by Monday, the statue had been severely damaged, with only its legs left intact and the head and torso destroyed. Concord police are investigating the incident, possibly as a hate crime.
Rep. Read, who helped with the permitting process and supports the Satanic Temple, believes the monument was targeted unfairly. She explained that there was nothing offensive about the display, despite claims it was meant to insult Christians. “If you don’t want to allow it for all religions, then you don’t have to allow religious displays,” she said.
The display had already been toppled once after its unveiling, and within 48 hours, the tablet with the Temple’s seven tenets had been cracked. By Monday night, the statue was fully dismantled, and a Santa hat and Christmas ornament were left at the scene.
Concord’s Mayor Byron Champlin had opposed the permit, claiming it was granted to promote an anti-religious agenda. Champlin, who has not commented on the vandalism, has also suggested forming a committee to review future religious displays in the city. Rep. Read sees this as a First Amendment issue, arguing that the city’s regulations seem to favor Christianity over other religions.
