Tim Walz says he’s friends with school shooters. Wow!
| Published April 4, 2025
St. Paul, Minnesota — In a move stirring national backlash and reigniting debate over the boundaries of religious freedom, members of The Satanic Temple have installed a controversial plaque inside the Minnesota State Capitol — thanking lawmakers for “supporting religious liberty.”
The display, approved by the Minnesota Historical Society and state authorities, features a black plaque inscribed with The Satanic Temple’s logo and a message thanking legislators for “upholding the rights of all religious voices.”
But for many residents and faith leaders, the message felt more like a slap in the face than a celebration of diversity.
A Chilling Display
The plaque was reportedly placed as part of a broader effort by The Satanic Temple to assert its standing as a recognized religious organization under the First Amendment. Known for its provocative activism and legal challenges against what it calls “Christian privilege in government,” the group has made headlines for attempting to install satanic displays alongside Christian Nativity scenes in public spaces.
The Minnesota plaque, however, has struck a particularly deep nerve.
“This isn’t about equality — this is about mockery,” said Rev. Thomas Morrison of Minneapolis. “It’s disturbing to see our State Capitol used to promote something that stands against everything we value.”
Photos of the display quickly went viral online, sparking heated reactions and prompting many to ask: How did this get approved?
Minnesota Governor and Kamala Harris running mate Tim Walz was apparently fine with this.
Now the Satanic group has placed a plaque in the Capitol to thank Tim Walz for his support. Isn’t that just nice?
You couldn’t make this up.
The Legal Loophole: “Viewpoint Neutrality”
According to state officials, the plaque was legally permitted under current policies that allow any registered organization to request display space in the Capitol — provided their request doesn’t incite violence or violate safety standards.
“It’s a matter of viewpoint neutrality,” said a spokesperson for the Minnesota Department of Administration. “We don’t judge content based on belief systems.”
Critics argue this policy is too passive, allowing groups with extreme or offensive ideologies to exploit public spaces for shock value and political statements.
“This isn’t neutrality — it’s cowardice,” said State Sen. Paul Gazelka (R). “There’s a difference between protecting free speech and inviting moral chaos into our institutions.”
Satanists Say It’s About Equal Access
Leaders from The Satanic Temple, based out of Salem, Massachusetts, say the plaque is a response to what they see as religious favoritism — particularly when Christian or Jewish symbols are given space in state venues while minority or fringe groups are sidelined.
In a statement, the group said:
“We don’t worship evil. We advocate for empathy, reason, and freedom of conscience. This plaque celebrates the principle that government cannot favor one religion over another.”
But many aren’t buying that explanation.
“They’re using religion as a Trojan horse to push secularism, mock people of faith, and blur the lines between right and wrong,” said one local pastor.
Faith Groups Push Back
Religious organizations across Minnesota are now organizing petitions and calling on lawmakers to revise Capitol display policies. Several church leaders plan to hold prayer vigils outside the State Capitol in response.
“This is not a political issue — it’s a spiritual one,” said Pastor Angela Reyes of St. Paul. “We must protect the soul of this state.”
Some conservative advocacy groups have also pledged legal challenges, citing what they see as a breakdown in community standards and a misapplication of religious liberty laws.
A Broader Culture Clash
The Satanic Temple’s latest stunt is just one flashpoint in America’s growing culture war over religion, free speech, and morality in public spaces.
Whether this plaque stays or is ultimately removed may hinge on whether lawmakers have the political will to draw firmer lines around what constitutes legitimate religious expression — and what crosses into provocation or desecration.
For many Minnesotans, the answer is already clear.
“Freedom of religion doesn’t mean freedom from consequences,” said Rev. Morrison. “And we’re not going to be silent while Satanists set up shop in our Capitol.”
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