Overview

• A Mayday USA Christian worship event at Cal Anderson Park on May 24 provoked a left-wing counter-protest that devolved into violence, resulting in 23 arrests and the hospitalization of an officer.
• Mayor Harrell labeled the gathering a “far-right rally” and has ordered the Parks Department and Seattle Police to review permitting and crowd control measures.
• Pastor Russell Johnson of Pursuit NW Church is leading a Tuesday rally at Seattle City Hall to pressure the mayor for a public apology over his remarks.
• The FBI has opened a civil rights investigation into the clashes to determine if the permitted religious assembly was unlawfully disrupted.
• Alliance Defending Freedom is considering legal action against Mayor Harrell and the City of Seattle for alleged violations of free speech and religious freedom.