Christian rally attendees in Seattle faced violent attacks from Antifa counter-protesters, resulting in 23 arrests, as the city’s Mayor condemned the religious group while defending the LGBTQ+ community’s values.
At a Glance
- A Christian rally in Seattle’s Cal Anderson Park led to violent clashes with Antifa counter-protesters, resulting in 23 arrests
- Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell condemned the Christian group as a “far-right rally” with beliefs “inherently opposed to our city’s values”
- The MayDay USA Tour rally, themed “#DontMessWithOurKids,” focused on traditional values including opposition to abortion and modern gender ideology
- Christian leaders demanded an apology from the Mayor for what they called “bigoted remarks” against people expressing religious beliefs
- Counter-protesters accused the Christian group of intentionally choosing an LGBTQ+ neighborhood to provoke conflict
Clash Between Religious Rally and Counter-Protesters
A Christian rally organized by MayDay USA in Seattle’s Cal Anderson Park descended into chaos as Antifa and leftist counter-protesters confronted attendees, leading to multiple violent incidents and 23 arrests. The event, held as part of the “#DontMessWithOurKids” tour, was focused on promoting what organizers described as the “sanctity of human life”, “biological gender”, “family as the foundation of a healthy nation” and “freedom of religion.” Seattle Police reported that tensions escalated even before the rally’s official start, with officers making arrests for assault and obstruction.
According to police reports, 22 adults were booked into King County Jail, and one juvenile was released following the confrontations. Video footage captured by local news organizations showed police apprehending individuals who allegedly assaulted rally participants. The violence eventually forced the Christian gathering to shut down voluntarily before completing their planned program of speakers and worship.
Mayor’s Controversial Response
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell sparked controversy with his response to the incident, appearing to place blame on the Christian rally organizers rather than those arrested for violent actions. In a statement that drew immediate backlash, Harrell characterized the Christian event as a “far-right rally” deliberately designed to provoke conflict.
“Today’s far-right rally was held here for this very reason – to provoke a reaction by promoting beliefs that are inherently opposed to our city’s values in the heart of Seattle’s most prominent LGBTQ+ neighborhood,” said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell.
The mayor further emphasized the city’s commitment to LGBTQ+ values while criticizing both the rally organizers and the violent counter-protesters, saying, “When the humanity of trans people and those who have been historically marginalized is questioned, we triumph by demonstrating our values through our words and peaceful protest – we lose our voice when this is disrupted by violence, chaos, and confusion.” Harrell also directed the Parks Department to review the event’s permitting process and ordered the Police Department to conduct an after-action report.
Christian Leaders Demand Apology
The Mayor’s characterization of the Christian rally prompted immediate calls for an apology from religious leaders. Pastor Russell Johnson was particularly vocal in his criticism of Harrell’s stance, arguing that the Christian group had been exercising their constitutionally protected rights when they were violently attacked.
“The Mayor of Seattle owes Christians in WA State an apology for his bigoted remarks after folks who were holding a peaceful worship event at Cal Anderson Park were violently assaulted for the high crime of expressing their deeply held religious beliefs in the form of a permitted worship event on city property,” said Pastor of the participating Pursuit Church, Russell Johnson.
Critics of the Mayor’s response pointed out that while Harrell condemned the Christian group for their beliefs, it was members of Antifa and other counter-protest groups who were arrested for violent actions. Some observers noted that Seattle, where 87% of residents voted for Kamala Harris in the last election, has become increasingly hostile to conservative and traditional religious viewpoints, despite constitutional protections for free speech and religious expression.
Competing Narratives About Location and Intent
Counter-protesters justified their opposition by claiming the Christian group intentionally chose Cal Anderson Park, located in a historically LGBTQ+ neighborhood, to provoke a reaction. Signs from counter-protesters included messages like “Republican Lies Kill Trans People” and “Protect Trans Youth,” with some rallying under the theme “Keep Your Bibles Off Our Bodies.” The Seattle Democratic Socialists of America criticized police for protecting the Christian rally, while a leftist group called “RadicalWomenSeattle” labeled the rally’s “family values” as “fascist.”
“As millions of babies are aborted every year, hundreds of thousands of children are trafficked, and the nations of the earth are in crisis—we can no longer sit silent and remain quiet,” states founders Jenny Donnelly and Ross Johnston.
Despite the violence that marred this event, MayDay USA organizers indicated plans to continue their national tour of demonstrations, emphasizing their commitment to their core values. Meanwhile, Seattle officials face growing criticism from religious and conservative voices who argue the city appears to favor progressive causes while marginalizing traditional religious expression, even when that expression occurs through legally permitted channels.
