Arizona Man Arrested For Burning, Urinating On The Bible
A 22-year-old Arizona man who calls himself “Dark Lord” was arrested for allegedly burning a Bible and urinating on it outside a Christian-oriented homeless shelter in northern Arizona, according to police.
Reuters reports that Eric Minerault was booked into jail late on Thursday on suspicion of one count of unlawful symbol burning stemming from the incident at the Gospel Rescue Mission, Prescott police spokesman Lieutenant Ken Morley said in a written statement.
When officers arrived, they found Minerault standing on the steps, with a burned and wet Bible on the ground near him. The suspect admitted to the act and told officers the mission was selected because he believed it was a place of Christian worship and he was “cursing the Christians,” according to police.
When officers asked him why, he said because he was the “Dark Lord.”
Minerault was wearing black as well as a black-and-red robe and a pentagram necklace.
Sheriff’s officials said he remained in jail on Friday afternoon on the misdemeanor charge.
According to Reuters, Dan Pochoda, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona, said the arrest raises questions as to whether Minerault’s First Amendment freedom of speech rights were violated.
Pochoda did say he was not familiar with the charge cited, but added that courts have upheld laws that bar symbols like crosses from being burned.
H/T: My buddy @TomCinmidlife with thanks.
Image: AP
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By: Anomaly100
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juicyfruityyy August 30th, 2014 at 01:10
I don’t think the Rescue Mission wants him back. Don’t want to risk him burning down the place or using his Dark Lord powers on the others.
juicyfruityyy August 30th, 2014 at 01:10
I don’t think the Rescue Mission wants him back. Don’t want to risk him burning down the place or using his Dark Lord powers on the others.
fahvel August 30th, 2014 at 03:01
when a bible spontaneously ignites the lord said, “piss on it”.
PunkedUrAss August 30th, 2014 at 05:20
Looks like Liberal Land has a new role model. I’m all for freedom of speech, however you throw in fire and piss, ordinances and laws are clearly being broken. Maybe he should check with the Fire Dept first to see what times the fire bans are lifted and keep his urine in a water bottle for less indecent exposure?
Robby August 30th, 2014 at 08:40
As a Christian, I find it sad that folks are so full of hate that they resort to this type of behavior, including ALL other religions. I consider it is his free speech right and will be between him and God.
The most noted Christians started with a history far worse than this, most notably Saul/Paul.
Dwendt44 August 30th, 2014 at 11:06
Paul was Jewish.
Larry Schmitt August 30th, 2014 at 11:30
But he converted when he saw the light. Literally.
Dwendt44 August 30th, 2014 at 17:57
Converted to what? Christianity didn’t exist until ‘the faith was opened to non Jewish followers. Until then, Jesus’s followers were just a Hebrew cult.
Larry Schmitt August 30th, 2014 at 09:19
So Mapplethorpe puts a crucifix in urine, and it’s art. This guy burns a bible and he goes to jail? When I read “unlawful symbol burning” I thought it was a joke. Never occurred to me there would actually be a law against it.
Adam J. Reizner August 30th, 2014 at 18:56
It’s in a red state. It would never stand up to a Constitutional test before SCOTUS. They likely could get away with a law against burning things (in general) in public as a safety issue. Urination in public is a public health issue. He doesn’t strike me as having any kind of money so it depends on how much effort the ACLU will exert.
Larry Schmitt August 30th, 2014 at 09:19
So Mapplethorpe puts a crucifix in urine, and it’s art. This guy burns a bible and he goes to jail? When I read “unlawful symbol burning” I thought it was a joke. Never occurred to me there would actually be a law against it.
Adam J. Reizner August 30th, 2014 at 18:56
It’s in a red state. It would never stand up to a Constitutional test before SCOTUS. They likely could get away with a law against burning things (in general) in public as a safety issue. Urination in public is a public health issue. He doesn’t strike me as having any kind of money so it depends on how much effort the ACLU will exert.
Carla Akins August 30th, 2014 at 10:57
I sure wish there had been video
Carla Akins August 30th, 2014 at 10:57
I sure wish there had been video
Dwendt44 August 30th, 2014 at 11:06
Paul was Jewish.
Larry Schmitt August 30th, 2014 at 11:30
But he converted when he saw the light. Literally.
Dwendt44 August 30th, 2014 at 17:57
Converted to what? Christianity didn’t exist until ‘the faith was opened to non Jewish followers. Until then, Jesus’s followers were just a Hebrew cult.
Adam J. Reizner August 30th, 2014 at 19:01
Have one for yourself. The commentary is based on the specificity of the statute under which he was arrested. He wasn’t charged for setting a fire but for what he set fire to. That is a first amendment violation. It’s not that difficult to follow. Try to keep up while the grownups are talking.
Elliot J. Stamler August 30th, 2014 at 19:38
Pochoda is right. The SC in the St. Paul case upheld banning the burning of a cross and held it not be violative of the first amendment as it was intimidatory to the blacks who could see it. That being so the chances are Minerault can beat the rap. That does not change the fact he is by his statements and appearance (check the neck tattoo) and apparel a complete hateful nutcase.
Elliot J. Stamler August 30th, 2014 at 19:38
Pochoda is right. The SC in the St. Paul case upheld banning the burning of a cross and held it not be violative of the first amendment as it was intimidatory to the blacks who could see it. That being so the chances are Minerault can beat the rap. That does not change the fact he is by his statements and appearance (check the neck tattoo) and apparel a complete hateful nutcase.
atunionbob August 31st, 2014 at 16:25
So if a bush were to start burning and talking, pissing on it to put it out would be illegal? Hummmm where has that story been told before?
Oldfoxbob August 31st, 2014 at 16:25
So if a bush were to start burning and talking, pissing on it to put it out would be illegal? Hummmm where has that story been told before?