BOSTON, MA — Sean Patrick Palmer, a 49-year-old from Perkins, Oklahoma, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston on charges of using fire and explosives to damage The Satanic Temple’s headquarters in Salem, Massachusetts. The incident, which occurred early on April 8, 2024, involved Palmer allegedly throwing a pipe bomb at the religious organization’s main entrance.
Surveillance footage captured Palmer approaching the building with a black face covering, a tan tactical vest, and gloves. He allegedly ignited the improvised explosive device (IED), threw it, and then fled the scene. The partially detonated device caused minor fire damage to the exterior of the building. Forensic analysis identified smokeless gunpowder as the explosive material and recovered DNA from a Caucasian male on the IED.
Found nearby was a six-page handwritten note, in which the author claimed to be sent by “Elohim” to first deliver a peaceful message and then, following non-compliance, to “smite Satan.” The note expressed a desire for repentance from those at The Satanic Temple and hinted at further destruction.
Palmer was arrested on April 17, 2024, in Oklahoma and ordered detained and transferred to Massachusetts. He faces a minimum of five years to a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted, along with potential fines and supervised release. The sentencing will be determined by federal guidelines and the statutory framework governing criminal cases.