A Christian prayer rally organized by On Fire Ministries at Cal Anderson Park in Seattle was marred by violent clashes, leading to dozens of arrests.
According to the Daily Mail, The event, part of the “Mayday USA” initiative and associated with the “#DontMessWithOurKids” movement, aimed to promote “Biblical truth and values,” according to the group’s Facebook page.
However, the rally was met with fierce opposition from counterprotesters, resulting in hours of unrest in the Democrat-run city.
The Christian activists from On Fire Ministries held their prayer rally at Cal Anderson Park, located in Seattle’s prominent LGBTQ+ neighborhood.
The event was described as a stand for traditional values, focusing on pro-life issues and opposition to transgender hormones and surgeries for children.
This messaging drew significant backlash from counterprotesters who rallied under the theme “Keep Your Bibles Off Our Bodies,” as reported by Fox 13.
Signs carried by the counterprotesters included messages such as “Republican Lies Kill Trans People” and “Protect Trans Youth.”
Tensions escalated around 1:30 p.m. when Seattle Police Department (SPD) officers observed individuals from one group throwing items at the opposing group.
The situation deteriorated as counterprotesters reportedly threw water bottles, knocked over fencing, and assaulted police officers.
The violence prompted the intervention of the Washington State Patrol, with at least one Seattle police officer requiring medical treatment for injuries sustained during the clashes. In total, 23 individuals were arrested on charges related to assault and obstruction.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell condemned the violence but also criticized the Mayday USA rally, suggesting it was designed to provoke a reaction.
In a statement, Harrell described the event as a “far-right rally” held to promote beliefs “inherently opposed to our city’s values” in the heart of Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community.
He attributed the violence to “anarchists” who had “infiltrated” the counterprotesters, prompting SPD to make arrests and request that organizers shut down the event early, which they did.
Harrell also called for an investigation into the permitting process that allowed the Christian group to hold the rally at Cal Anderson Park, implying that alternative locations or adjustments could have mitigated the conflict.
The mayor’s remarks sparked controversy, with some critics arguing that his response appeared to shift blame onto the Christian group for exercising their right to free speech and assembly.
Social media posts on X echoed this sentiment, with users decrying what they perceived as a double standard in how free speech is applied.
One post stated, “Antifa and Transgender Activists Attack and Shut Down Peaceful Christian Gathering in Seattle Park; Democrat Mayor Blames the Christians,” reflecting frustration with Harrell’s stance.
