Overview

• City officials redirected Mayday USA’s 'Don't Mess With Our Kids' rally from Pike Place Market to Cal Anderson Park, a decision now under scrutiny.
• On May 24, clashes between the Christian rally and counter-protesters from groups including Antifa, Radical Women Seattle and the Freedom Socialist Party led to 23 arrests by Seattle police.
• Mayor Bruce Harrell labeled the gathering a 'far-right rally' intended to provoke the city's LGBTQ+ community, and ordered after-action reviews of the permit and police response.
• Christians held a follow-up protest at City Hall on May 27 to demand Harrell's apology or resignation, resulting in eight arrests of counter-protesters for assault.
• FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced a federal probe into targeted violence against religious groups, and the White House Faith Office has urged local leaders to safeguard religious freedom as the Alliance Defending Freedom evaluates legal action.