Local News

Police: Satanic Temple in Salem targeted with bomb threat, again

The bomb threat was cleared within 20 minutes, Salem police said. Last month, a Michigan man was arrested for allegedly planning to target the temple with a bomb.

The Satanic Temple on Bridge Street in Salem. Katherine McCabe/Globe Photo

February 27, 2024

1 minute to read

Salem police investigated a bomb threat against the Satanic Temple Tuesday afternoon, the second threat against the temple in recent months.

Police responded to the reported bomb threat at 12:20 p.m. at the Satanic Temple located at 64 Bridge St. A trooper from the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad joined Salem police to investigate, a state police spokesperson confirmed.

“Responsible public safety protocols mandate that we take these threats seriously,” Salem police said in a statement.

Salem police updated their post on Facebook at 12:40 p.m., saying the area was cleared and no explosive devices were found.

Last month, a Michigan man was arrested in connection with a bomb threat against the Satanic Temple. Luke Isaac Terpstra, 30, had traveled to Salem in November of 2023 “possibly for planning purposes” and was charged with possession of bombs, Salem police said.

The Satanic Temple’s mission is “to encourage benevolence and empathy, reject tyrannical authority, advocate practical common sense, oppose injustice, and undertake noble pursuits,” their website says. In Salem, they have an art gallery, host satanic ceremonies, and offer a walking tour.