FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced on Tuesday that an investigation has been requested into allegations of “targeted violence” against religious groups following a rally held by an evangelical conservative group at Seattle City Hall. The rally was organized in response to the mayor’s accusations of Christians being responsible for violence during a weekend demonstration.
Bongino stated, “We have asked our team to fully investigate allegations of targeted violence against religious groups at the Seattle concert. Freedom of religion isn’t a suggestion.”
The “Rattle in Seattle” demonstration by Christians took place at City Hall on Tuesday evening, with counter-protesters also in attendance. Eight people were arrested for assault during the dueling demonstrations, according to Seattle Police.
Police shut down streets around the demonstrations for several hours, with them reopening just before 8 p.m. Fox News Digital has reached out to Seattle Police for any updated arrest totals.
The protest on Tuesday followed a demonstration on Saturday at Cal Anderson Park during MayDayUSA’s “Don’t Mess With Our Kids” rally, where police made 23 arrests after violence erupted.
Mayor Bruce Harrell, a Democrat, attributed the violence at the counter-protest to the Christian rally and “anarchists.” He emphasized Seattle’s inclusive values and support for LGBTQ+ communities in his statement.
Several Christian and Jewish leaders in the city released statements supporting Mayor Harrell and condemning the weekend protest, denouncing the use of religion to promote hate and bigotry.
Organizers of the “Rattle in Seattle” protest criticized the mayor’s remarks as religious bigotry and an attack on their First Amendment rights. They held the rally on Tuesday to protest against his statements.
The organizers stated, “Under Mayor Harrell’s leadership, the city of Seattle has continued its spiral into lawlessness and dysfunction while the First Amendment rights of citizens to peacefully assemble has been disregarded.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to the mayor’s office for comment.
