In a scene reminiscent of contemporary political theater, Seattle police apprehended 23 individuals amid a tumultuous counter-protest involving Antifa, transgender activists, and a conservative Christian group congregating at Cal Anderson Park on Saturday afternoon. The police intervened at the request of the gathering’s organizers, leading to the event’s premature conclusion in light of escalating violence. Notably, Cal Anderson Park had previously been a focal point during the 2020 leftist occupation known as CHOP.
Screen images via Russell Johnson via X.
The Seattle Times reported that approximately 500 attendees were present on both sides of the ideological divide. The “Don’t Mess With Our Kids” rally, part of a broader five-city initiative known as May Day USA, aimed to safeguard children against what they term a radical LGBTQ agenda.
In a surprising turn of events, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell issued a statement on Saturday evening that appeared to condemn the Christian group, further igniting tensions.
Pastor Russell Johnson shared a compilation video showcasing the clashes between the Christian gathering and Antifa/trans activists, highlighting the mayor’s remarks:
The @MayorofSeattle 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… pic.twitter.com/sxP1fHWR75
— Russell Johnson (@russellbjohnson) May 25, 2025
Additionally, KOMO-TV reporter Jeremy Harris provided footage of the police managing the chaotic counter-protest:
NOW: Several arrests during a chaotic counter-protest at a Christian church event in Cal Anderson Park.
‘On Fire Ministries’ planned the rally to oppose abortion and promote their views on gender. Pro-trans rights protesters gathered to oppose.
(Language warning)@komonews pic.twitter.com/CPkt7tOo4W
— Jeremy Harris (@JeremyHarrisTV) May 24, 2025
Mayor Harrell’s Statement on the Extreme Right-Wing Rally at Cal Anderson Park
Seattle takes pride in being a welcoming and inclusive city for LGBTQ+ communities. We stand firmly with our trans neighbors against any form of bigotry and injustice. The far-right rally held today was a calculated attempt to provoke a reaction by espousing beliefs fundamentally at odds with our city’s values, particularly within Seattle’s most prominent LGBTQ+ area.
“When the humanity of trans individuals and historically marginalized groups is questioned, we demonstrate our values through words and peaceful protest. Violence only serves to disrupt this dialogue and undermine our voices.”
“Anarchists infiltrated the counter-protesters’ ranks, inciting violence which compelled the Seattle Police Department to make arrests and request that the gathering conclude early, which the organizers complied with.
“While we must uphold First Amendment rights regarding event permitting, I am directing the Parks Department to review the circumstances surrounding this application to determine if alternative locations or adjustments could have been viable. The Police Department will also conduct an after-action report to assess preparation and crowd management strategies, along with a review of arrests and citations.”
“I commend those who express their support for our neighbors through peaceful means. Seattle will remain steadfast in its commitment to diversity, love, and justice, particularly in the face of a national right-wing campaign against our trans and LGBTQ+ communities.”
Press release for the May Day USA tour:
The Prayer Activism Movement Calls for Public Events in Five Major Cities
The grassroots initiative #DontMessWithOurKids, which previously gathered outside state capitols on April 13, 2024, has organized a new series of outdoor events named Mayday USA. These events are set to unfold in five major U.S. cities: New York, Miami, Houston, Seattle, and Los Angeles throughout May.
“We are at a pivotal moment in history that demands action from every individual globally,” stated organizers Jenny Donnelly and Ross Johnston. “As millions of lives are lost to abortion, and countless children are trafficked, we cannot afford to remain silent.”
The #DontMessWithOurKids movement champions the sanctity of life, the sanctity of biological gender, the importance of the nuclear family, and the rights to free speech and religious expression. Mayday USA events will provide prayer and resources for post-abortive individuals, trafficking victims, those seeking freedom from same-sex attraction, and individuals battling sexual and substance addictions during their recovery journey.
Mayday USA will take place [insert date and location specifics]. Attendees will enjoy free kids’ haircuts and bicycle giveaways from 2-5 pm, leading to the main event at 6 pm featuring music, prayer, and speakers. Participants are encouraged to wear the #DontMessWithOurKids flag colors—pink and blue. For further details and to get involved, visit maydayusa.co
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#DontMessWithOurKids is a grassroots movement committed to resisting the indoctrination of our nation’s children by a liberal political and sexual agenda that threatens their intrinsic identities. We believe in exercising our constitutional rights boldly as we champion truth, justice, and righteousness in public discourse.
Seattle police press release on the arrests:
On Saturday afternoon, officers arrested 23 individuals at a protest within Cal Anderson Park.
While attempting to keep the two opposing groups separate, police observed multiple individuals from one faction throwing objects at the other around 1:30 PM. Officers acted swiftly to arrest those responsible, but were met with resistance, leading to further arrests. Initially, 11 individuals were apprehended during the ensuing skirmish.
Officers escorted those arrested from the crowd and later processed them at the Seattle Police West Precinct.
Police maintained a presence at the event for its duration.
Throughout the afternoon, 12 additional arrests were made for assault and obstruction.
By approximately 5:30 PM, Troopers from the Washington State Patrol arrived to give the Seattle officers a brief respite.
One officer sustained an injury during the protests and was treated and released from the hospital. A total of 22 individuals were booked into King County Jail for assault and obstruction, while one juvenile was arrested for obstruction and subsequently released from the precinct.
As expected, the Seattle Democratic Socialists of America criticized the police for their actions in protection of the Christian rally.
Seattle DSA Condemns Anti-Trans Police Violence in Cal Anderson Park pic.twitter.com/7T9aa69kzP
— Seattle DSA (@SeattleDSA) May 25, 2025
