Got to love a community leader that condemns those seeking to protect children. Christian rally in Seattle’s Cal Anderson Park erupts in chaos as Antifa counter-protesters clash with religious demonstrators, resulting in 23 arrests and accusations of provocation from both sides. Seattle police arrested 23 people (22 adults and one juvenile) for assault and obstruction. Mayor Bruce Harrell condemned the Christian rally as “far-right” and accused organizers of intentionally inciting conflict.
Violent Confrontation in Seattle’s Capitol Hill
A permitted Christian rally in Seattle’s Cal Anderson Park descended into chaos Saturday when Antifa and left-wing counter-protesters confronted the religious gathering. The event, organized as part of the MayDay USA Tour opposing abortion and transgender ideology, quickly became a flashpoint for violence despite having proper permits from city officials. Seattle Police reported tensions escalated before the rally’s official start time, with protesters throwing objects at opposing groups and assaulting officers trying to maintain order.
The “#DontMessWithOurKids” rally focused on promoting what organizers described as “sanctity of human life,” “biological gender,” “family as the foundation of a healthy nation,” and “freedom of religion.” Counter-protesters arrived with signs reading “Republican Lies Kill Trans People” and “Protect Trans Youth” under the theme “Keep Your Bibles Off Our Bodies.” According to police reports, what began as a protest quickly evolved into physical confrontations, necessitating intervention by law enforcement.
All lies @MayorofSeattle. Your gaslighting is disgusting. https://t.co/t8VENKeQ82
— Washington State GOP (@WAGOP) May 25, 2025
Mayor’s Response Sparks Controversy
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell’s response to the incident provoked significant backlash from religious leaders and conservatives. Rather than condemning the violence against permitted rally participants, Harrell criticized the Christian event organizers for their choice of location. In a statement that angered many Christians across Washington state, the mayor suggested the rally was deliberately provocative.
The mayor further directed the Parks Department to review the event’s permitting process and ordered the Police Department to conduct an after-action report. While acknowledging that anarchists had infiltrated the counter-protest, Harrell’s statements appeared to place primary blame on the Christian rally organizers. His administration, already facing criticism for rising crime rates and accusations of a toxic office culture, now confronts allegations of religious bias.
The mayor purposely decided to chastise Christians that had proper permits as the ones that created the violence. He says nothing about those that, through reputation, historically harass anyone of faith. https://t.co/nBpllrOXIs
— Amen Oneill (@oneil_alen) May 26, 2025
Religious Leaders Demand Apology
Pastor Russell Johnson was among several religious leaders who condemned the mayor’s characterization of the event and demanded a formal apology. Johnson pointed out that the The Christian group had obtained proper permits and was simply exercising their constitutional rights to free speech and religious expression when they were violently attacked.
The event, which featured speakers and worship music, was voluntarily shut down after violence erupted when a speaker took the stage. Video footage from local news outlets showed police officers apprehending individuals who had assaulted rally attendees. Despite this evidence, some progressive groups, including the Seattle Democratic Socialists of America, criticized police for protecting the Christian rally rather than the counter-protesters.
Broader Cultural Conflict
The confrontation in Seattle highlights growing tensions between religious conservatives and progressive activists across America. MayDay USA organizers Jenny Donnelly and Ross Johnston explained their motivation for the national tour by citing their concerns about abortion, child trafficking, and what they perceive as moral decline. The organization plans to continue demonstrations despite the violence in Seattle.
The incident occurs against the backdrop of Seattle’s political landscape, where 87% of residents voted for Kamala Harris in the last election. The city has long been known for its progressive politics, but critics argue that this shouldn’t translate to suppression of religious viewpoints. The violent shutdown of a legally permitted rally raises questions about whether political disagreements can be expressed peacefully in increasingly divided American cities.