The FBI launched an investigation into the city of Seattle, Washington, following claims that local officials failed to protect a Christian group during a prayer rally that turned violent. The rally, held by a religious organization, was disrupted by counter-protesters.
After the incident, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said the group bore responsibility for the confrontation — a statement that drew criticism from civil liberties advocates and faith leaders.
On Tuesday, May 27, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said his team is thoroughly investigating “allegations of targeted violence against religious groups at the Seattle concert.”
Bongino stated, “Freedom of religion isn’t a suggestion.”
That same day, Paula White-Cain, the head of the White House Faith Office, also spoke out, saying, “We affirm the fundamental rights to free speech and religious freedom for all Americans, as protected by federal law. Public officials must protect the inalienable rights of all citizens, regardless of their faith or religious beliefs.”
White-Cain urged the city to uphold those rights at all faith-based events.
Week of Seattle rallies
Bongino’s and White-Cain’s comments come after a week of protests in Seattle. Over the weekend of May 24, the Mayday USA movement held “Don’t Mess With Our Kids” rallies in five cities across the country. Organizers said the events aim to uphold what they describe as the sacredness of gender as defined by God. The demonstration prompted counter-protesters to show up in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
One of the groups that protested against Mayday USA posted a statement on Facebook on Wednesday, May 28, stating that it was proud to be a part of “these scenes of queer joy and resistance” on Saturday, May 24.
“Thanks to all who came out and faced off against the bigots and their baton-wielding police protectors,” Radical Women said.
Violence broke out between the organizers, attendees and counter-protestors, leading to 23 arrests, including one of a juvenile, according to the Seattle Police Department. When officers arrived, police said they saw one group throwing objects at another group and moved in to intervene. As they attempted to arrest those responsible, some protesters attacked the officers.
Following the protest, Harrell released a statement emphasizing Seattle’s commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and said the city stands with them, especially in the face of “bigotry and injustice.”
“Anarchists infiltrated the counter-protestors group and inspired violence,” Harrell said. The mayor added that, while the First Amendment permits certain events, he directed city leaders to review each application closely to determine whether legal alternatives or adjustments are possible.
Harrell’s statement sparked another rally, this time outside Seattle City Hall on Tuesday, May 27. A separate conservative Christian group organized the protest, criticizing the mayor for suggesting they were to blame for the violence at the earlier demonstration. Seattle police said eight people were arrested, and no injuries were reported, but similar to before, two opposing groups brought in “dueling demonstrations.”
What do organizers say?
On Instagram, leaders and organizers of Mayday USA released a joint statement, stating that the First Amendment protects their right to speak, gather and worship, while the 14th Amendment bars government officials from infringing on those liberties.
“In every place we go, we carry the message of salvation not because we are better than others, but because we have experienced mercy and want others to encounter the same grace,” the statement said.
According to organizer Ross Johnston, the city directed the group to hold the event at Cal Anderson Park, which he said is located in a neighborhood with a large LGBTQ+ population.
Mayday USA has also made allegations against the opposing groups, saying counter-protestors were throwing balloons filled with urine and performing sex acts in front of children.
What about other faith leaders?
A number of Seattle faith leaders stood with Harrell to condemn the actions of the Christian protesters.
Pastor Carey Anderson with the African Methodist Episcopal Church said, “Those who seek to weaponize Christianity and preach extremist views reflect poorly on the church and the whole ecumenical and interfaith community.”
Rabbi Will Berkovitz, the CEO of Jewish Family Service, said, “Every day seems to bring a new assault on our shared sense of humanity, of decency, leaving us struggling not to rationalize or excuse the inexcusable.
“Moments like these remind us that Judaism guides us to embrace the interconnectedness of all people,” Berkovitz continued.
