TOPEKA, KS — March 29, 2025
What was supposed to be a symbolic protest against religious favoritism inside the Kansas State Capitol turned into a full-contact confrontation Friday afternoon, as a planned “Black Mass” devolved into a clash between Satanists and Christian counter-protesters — complete with flying fists, shouted prayers, and a parade of handcuffs.
At the center of the storm was Michael Trenton Stewart, 42, president of the Satanic Grotto, who had announced his intent to conduct a Black Mass ceremony inside the Capitol rotunda. The event was planned to protest what Stewart called “state-sanctioned Christianity” after recent public events hosted by Christian groups in state facilities.
Despite Governor Laura Kelly’s emergency order barring protests in the Capitol that day, Stewart and his group pressed on. But before the ritual could get underway, a young Christian protester — identified by supporters as Marcus Schroeder, 21 — reportedly attempted to grab Stewart’s script from his hands.
Witnesses say Stewart responded with a punch. Capitol security responded with zip ties.
Stewart was arrested at 2:00 p.m. and charged with unlawful assembly and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors. His bond was set at $1,000 for each charge, and he was released later that afternoon. He’s due back in court May 28, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
Schroeder, who many on social media have dubbed a “prayer warrior turned provocateur,” was also arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. He was booked at 2:45 p.m. and released that evening on his own recognizance.
Also arrested at the scene:
- Jocelyn Krysteen Frazee, 32, charged with unlawful assembly and held without bond pending identification
- Sean Sterling Anderson, 50, charged with unlawful assembly, bonded out at $1,000 cash.
Hundreds of counter-protesters filled the Capitol grounds, singing hymns and reciting prayers, while Grotto members dressed in black robes attempted to hold space for what they described as “a theatrical expression of dissent.”
The Kansas Highway Patrol and Capitol Police were on high alert. No weapons were reported, but the event tested the boundaries of religious freedom, protest rights, and what exactly counts as a “peaceable assembly” in Kansas politics.
While Friday’s incident has stirred up First Amendment debates, one thing is certain: when Satanists and prayer warriors square off at the Statehouse, things can go from ritual to riot in record time.
Stay tuned — this one’s not over yet.
