'Terrorist Attack': Salem Mayor Condemns Satanic Temple Bomb Attempt

SALEM, MA — Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo called Monday morning's explosive thrown on the porch of the Satanic Temple "a terrorist attack" that is "utterly reprehensible" in condemning the latest threat against the Temple.

"While I am glad no one was injured in this attack I nevertheless condemn this action in the strongest possible way," Pangallo said in a statement Tuesday morning. "Salem is a welcoming place and violent attacks like this are utterly reprehensible. On behalf of the city, I want to extend our support for the staff and members at the Temple and the residents of the neighborhood who have been impacted by this crime.

"We'll continue working to identify ways to improve the security of the area, to help ensure the safety of all our community members."

Salem police said the explosive that was thrown onto the porch of the downtown Satanic Temple early Monday morning caused some damage and forced the closure of Bridge Street while
the incident was investigated late Monday afternoon.

Police said that the attack was believed to have happened at 4:14 a.m. but was not discovered until staff arrived at the temple about 12 hours later.

"While this is frightening for those of us who live and work in Salem," Police Chief Lucas Miller said, "particularly so the workers and neighbors of the Satanic Temple, I take great comfort in the assistance of the FBI. I am confident that between our federal partners and our own excellent SPD detectives, we will find and arrest the perpetrator and hopefully, that will serve as a deterrent to anyone who sees the Temple as a target."

Police said State Police bomb technicians ensured that the device was no longer a danger and that bomb-detecting police K9s swept the building for other devices.

"I'm extremely grateful to our Salem Police Department for their actions in this case, and the support and partnership provided in the response and ongoing investigation by ATF, the FBI, and Massachusetts State Police," Pangallo said.

Anyone with information, or who may have seen something, was urged to contact the Salem Police Criminal Investigation Division at 978-745-9700 or to leave a tip at 978-744-0171 X. 50116. Callers may remain anonymous.

The Temple has been the target of several false bomb threats in recent years and was the target of a bomb plot by a Michigan man — who was found to possess explosives — in January, according to the Grant Police Department in Michigan.

The Temple was also the target of an arson attempt in 2022 in which the front door of the building was set on fire.

"Salem Detectives have worked closely with Temple staff on investigating these threats and incidents," police said.