A self-proclaimed Satanist leader was arrested Friday morning following a physical altercation at the Kansas State Capitol during a controversial “Black Mass” event.
Michael Stewart, founder of the Satanic Grotto, was taken into custody at the Statehouse in Topeka after getting into a shoving match with another individual, according to WIBW News.
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Video footage posted by CatholicVote shows Stewart raising his arms as another person appeared to grab something from his hand. Moments later, Stewart threw a punch, escalating into a physical confrontation before law enforcement officers intervened and tackled him to the ground.
“I’m not resisting. I’m not resisting. I’m not resisting,” Stewart repeatedly yelled.
The Satanic Grotto describes itself as an organization for Satanists and allies who follow the “Left-Hand Path.” Despite law enforcement officials previously warning Stewart that he was welcome inside but could not perform any demonstrations, tensions flared when the event clashed with a much larger group of Christian protesters.
Reports indicate that while roughly 20 people were there in support of the Black Mass, between 300 and 400 protesters gathered to oppose it.
Stewart was charged with unlawful assembly and disorderly conduct, according to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. The individual involved in the altercation with Stewart, a 21-year-old man, was also arrested, along with several others at the scene.
Before the incident, the Satanist claimed the event was meant to express his group’s “place in the public circle” and share their grievances. However, with widespread opposition and multiple arrests, it’s clear the controversial event stirred more division than dialogue.
This article originally appeared on American Faith, and is reposted with permission.
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