Dozens were arrested after violence broke out between woke protesters and police at a religious rally in Seattle.
Christian activists from On Fire Ministries hosted their ‘Mayday USA’ rally at Cal Anderson Park on Saturday.
The event was described as ‘standing together for Biblical truth and values’ as part of the ‘#DontMessWithOurKids’ movement, according to the organization’s Facebook.
Counterprotesters showed up under the theme of ‘Keep Your Bibles Off Our Bodies,’ according to Fox 13.
They brought signs that read ‘Republican Lies Kill Trans People’ and ‘Protect Trans Youth.’
Seattle Police Department (SPD) officers arrested 23 people throughout the day as clashes between the groups grew violent.
‘Police working to keep two different groups apart, witnessed multiple people inside one group throw items at the opposing group around 1:30 p.m. Saturday,’ SPD said.
‘Officers immediately moved to arrest the people responsible, and while taking the individuals into custody, were assaulted by more protesters, resulting in even more arrests. In total, officers arrested 11 during the initial scuffle.’
Seattle Police arrested 23 people throughout the day as clashes between the groups grew violent in Cal Anderson Park on Saturday
Images from the park showed police tackled protesters to the ground and handcuffed them
The department said on X, ‘Orders are being given to protesters to back away from officers and to stop throwing items at officers.’
SPD said throughout the afternoon, 12 additional arrests were made for assault and obstruction.
‘Individuals in the crowd have begun throwing water bottles at officers,’ police said. ‘Protesters have now knocked over fencing. Additional officers will be responding to the area to assist in maintaining a safe environment.’
By 5:30 p.m., troopers with the Washington State Patrol arrived at the scene to help SPD.
‘One officer was treated and released from the hospital for an injury sustained during the protests,’ said the department said.
Images from the park showed police tackled protesters to the ground and handcuffed them.
Mayor Bruce Harrell condemned Mayday USA’s rally and claimed violence only broke out because ‘anarchists infiltrated’ the event.
‘Today’s far-right rally was held here for this very reason – to provoke a reaction by promoting beliefs that are inherently opposed to our city’s values, in the heart of Seattle’s most prominent LGBTQ+ neighborhood,’ Harrell said.
The Mayday USA event was described as ‘standing together for Biblical truth and values’ as part of the ‘#DontMessWithOurKids’
Police said protesters threw water bottles, knocked over fencing and assaulted officers
Troopers with the Washington State Patrol were brought in to help, and at least one Seattle police officer was treated for injuries
‘Anarchists infiltrated the counter-protestors group and inspired violence, prompting SPD to make arrests and ask organizers to shut down the event early, which they did.’
Folake Kellogg, 58, a spokesperson for the Mayday USA event, told The Seattle Times that their group was not trying to provoke anyone.
‘They say we don’t like people. We’re not the ones throwing things. We’re here to love Jesus,’ Kellogg said,
According to Kellogg, Cal Anderson Park was not their first choice for venue, and they wanted to hold the event at Victor Steinbrueck Park by Pike Place Market, but the city said no.
