'Nicest Satanists ever' withdraw 'unofficial' offer to escort frightened Muslims

The Satanic Temple said the offer to act as minders for those fearing reprisals was made without their knowledge

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A local chapter of the US Satanic Temple was dubbed the "nicest Satanists ever" after it appeared to offer to discreetly escort local Muslims who feared violent reprisals in the wake of the Paris attacks.

But the the Facebook post in which the offer was made was deleted a few hours later.

The Satanic Temple Minneapolis Chapter said the post had been made without its knowledge and directed media enquiries to the group's national leadership.

The original post offered "big dudes" who could " escort you where you need to go without advertising our presence".

The Facebook post in which the offer was made was deleted a few hours later (Facebook/The Satanic Temple Minneapolis Chapter)

"We would also happily accompany you so you can get some groceries," the post said.

The offer was welcomed on social media, where users dubbed the group the "nicest Satanists ever", but it later appeared to have been withdrawn and the post deleted.

"The Satanic Temple focuses its advocacy exclusively on broad ideals that affect everyone and only promotes campaigns that it can effectively execute," the group said in explanation.

"The Satanic Temple believes that all people should act with empathy within the bounds of reason."