Seattle Christian Rally Attacked by Violent Counterprotesters, 23 Arrested

A Christian rally organized by Mayday USA in Seattle's Cal Anderson Park, advocating conservative Christian values and opposing transgender treatments for children, was met with violent counterprotests from groups including Antifa and LGBTQ+ activists. The rally, part of a national tour under the banner #DontMessWithOurKids, drew about 500 attendees and a similar number of counterprotesters, resulting in clashes that led to 23 arrests and injuries to at least one police officer. Seattle police intervened to separate the groups and made arrests amid reports of protesters throwing objects and overturning fencing. Mayor Bruce Harrell condemned the Mayday USA event as a far-right rally promoting beliefs contrary to the city's inclusive values, particularly in its prominent LGBTQ+ neighborhood, and criticized the city for granting the group a permit, directing a review of the permitting process. The mayor also blamed anarchists within the counterprotesters for inciting violence, while some sources criticized his response as blaming the Christian group for the unrest. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in Seattle between conservative Christian groups and progressive activists, with opposing views on free speech, public safety, and social values driving the conflict.