An Oklahoma man was arrested Wednesday, after he allegedly threw a pipe bomb at a Massachusetts Satanic temple, accompanied by a note claiming that God sent him to the temple to urge Satanists to repent for their sins.
Sean Patrick Palmer, 49, was charged with using an explosive to cause damage to a building used in interstate or foreign commerce. On April 8, Palmer allegedly dressed in tactical gear before igniting a pipe bomb outside the Satanic Temple (TST) in Salem, Massachusetts.
Seconds after Palmer fled the scene, "the pipe bomb partially detonated causing minor fire and related damage to TST's exterior," the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts said in a statement.
Palmer also allegedly left a note in a flowerbed near the temple, in which he claimed to have received direction from Elohim - a Hebrew name for God.
"Dear Satanist, Elohim send me 7 months ago to give you peaceful message to hope you repent. You say 'no.' Elohim now send me to smite Satan and I happy to obey," the letter said.
"Elohim no like this place and plan to destroy it. Maybe Salem too? Elohim send me to fight crybaby Satan, but want me to make hard effort so no one dies. I obey."
"Elohim" in hebrew means god, or godhood.
Vandals also spraypainted the temple with Bible verses last year but there is no evidence currently connecting Palmer to that incident, according to CNN.
In spite of their name, TST is a non-Theistic organization, that does not worship Satan. Rather, the church was founded in 2013 to combat what its member believe is an intrusion of Christianity in secular society. The Salem temple is the church's headquarters and also doubles as a space to display Satanic art.
TST released a statement thanking law enforcement in the aftermath of Palmer's arrest.
"Furthermore, we wish to express our profound gratitude to the Salem community for the outpouring of support we have received during this challenging period," the statement continued. "We deeply appreciate all who continue to stand with us as we navigate the ongoing developments in this case."
Palmer is expected to appear in an Oklahoma district court on Thursday. If convicted he could face between five and 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
