The Federal Bureau of Investigation has been asked to investigate allegations of “targeted violence” against religious groups in Seattle, according to a statement Tuesday by Dan Bongino, FBI Deputy Director.
The request follows a tumultuous weekend where a Christian conservative group’s rally was met with violent counter-protests, and subsequent accusations against Seattle’s mayor for his response.
“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,” Bongino wrote on X.
The announcement came as a Christian group held a “Rattle in Seattle” demonstration Tuesday evening on the steps of City Hall. This event was, in part, a response to Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell blaming Christians for igniting a violent demonstration the previous Saturday. Counter-protesters were also reported to be present at the Tuesday rally.
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The tensions stem from Saturday’s “MayDay USA” Christian worship event at Cal Anderson Park. Violence erupted when counter-protesters clashed with the rally attendees. Mayor Harrell described the MayDay USA event as “far-right” and stated it was intended to “provoke a reaction by promoting beliefs that are inherently opposed to our city’s values.” He attributed the ensuing violence to “anarchists” who he said infiltrated the counter-protest group, leading to the event’s premature shutdown. The Seattle Police Department reported 23 arrests (22 adults and one juvenile) from Saturday’s events, and one officer sustained injuries.
In response to the weekend’s events and the Mayor’s comments, Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a conservative legal group, announced Tuesday it is evaluating legal action against the Mayor of Seattle and city officials. ADF contends the city failed to protect the First Amendment rights of the “MayDay USA” attendees.
“Federal and state laws protect free speech and religious freedom for all, regardless of their views,” ADF stated. “City officials must not permit violent mobs to threaten, harass, or assault individuals exercising these rights.” The organization emphasized the city’s “legal obligation to ensure the safety and rights of all citizens,” citing the Fourteenth Amendment. ADF further noted it would “closely monitor the City’s response at the upcoming “Rattle in Seattle” rally.”
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MayDay USA, a conservative Christian group, organized Saturday’s “#DontMessWithOurKids” rally as part of a five-city national tour. Organizers state the movement “refuses to stand idly by while the children of our nation are indoctrinated by liberal, political, and sexual agenda that seeks to destroy their God-given identities.”
A counter-protest, endorsed by groups including the Freedom Socialist Party and Puget Sound Mobilization for Reproductive Justice, was organized to “Protest Fascist ‘Family Values.’” Organizers aimed to “send a message with a loud picket line, signs and banners: Bigotry is not welcome here!” and specifically noted the involvement of “right-wing pastor Matt Shea and his Christian Fundamentalist ‘On Fire Ministries’” with the MayDay USA event.
According to The Seattle Times, approximately 500 people attended the MayDay USA event, with a similar number joining the counter-protest. Seattle police reported that around 1:30 p.m. Saturday, officers witnessed individuals from one group throwing items at the other, leading to initial arrests and further altercations.
Mayor Harrell, a Democrat, commented on the situation, stating, “When the humanity of trans people and those who have been historically marginalized is questioned, we triumph by demonstrating our values through our words and peaceful protest—we lose our voice when this is disrupted by violence, chaos, and confusion.” He added, “In the face of an extreme right-wing national effort to attack our trans and LGBTQ+ communities, Seattle will continue to stand unwavering in our embrace of diversity, love for our neighbors, and commitment to justice and fairness.”
Ross Johnston, a preacher and organizer of the MayDay USA event, strongly criticized the Mayor’s response on X. “The audacity of the @MayorofSeattle to claim that we as Christians were ‘attacking’ is bigoted and the rhetoric of a God hating politician whose ‘power’ came up against a superior force,” he wrote, adding, “PS: all arrests were from the protester camp – it takes a bit of a brain to understand what that means maybe you have one? (Highly doubt it).”
The FBI’s involvement signals a new level of scrutiny into the clashes and the city’s handling of protests involving religious expression and counter-demonstrations.
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