From Dallas Express · Dallas Express · · 1m 10s
Hail Satan Invocation Sparks Ottumwa Council Backlash
Ottumwa council meeting opens with 'Hail Satan' invocation, prompting mayor to order moment of silence.
In brief
Ottumwa council meeting opens with 'Hail Satan' invocation, prompting mayor to order moment of silence. Ottumwa city council ordered a moment of silence after a member invoked 'Hail Satan' at the meeting, sparking backlash from a local pastor. Originally reported by Dallas Express.
Ottumwa Council Meeting
Ottumwa City Council held its regular meeting on October 6, 2026, at City Hall.
Hail Satan Invocation
Resident Matt Dalbey delivered an invocation ending with 'Hail Satan' before the Pledge of Allegiance.
“It is done. Hail Satan.”
Pastor's Response
New Life Center pastor Rick Bick called the invocation a curse and demanded immediate action to reverse it.
“Let's just reverse this curse that was put on our city.”
Council Member's Objection
Council member Cara Galloway objected to addressing the matter outside the public-comment period and urged the council to proceed with its agenda.
“Opening with an invocation means allowing viewpoints that may not reflect our own.”
Mayor's Reaction
Mayor Benjamin Foote called for a 30-second time of prayer, which he quickly reframed as a time of silence.
“to reflect on whatever it is we need to reflect on at this time”
Policy Background
The council adopted Resolution 18-2026 on January 20, 2026, allowing residents to volunteer for up to two-minute invocations.
“The policy allows any Ottumwa resident to volunteer for an invocation of no more than two minutes”
Public Reaction
City officials reported receiving calls throughout the day, with some cordial and many rude and full of profanities.
“some calls have been cordial, while many have been rude and full of profanities”
What matters most
Ottumwa city council ordered a moment of silence after a member invoked 'Hail Satan' at the meeting, sparking backlash from a local pastor.
