Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell (D) blamed a Christian rally for a protest that broke out over the weekend.
According to the Seattle Police Department, 23 people were arrested at Cal Anderson Park during MayDayUSA’s “Don’t Mess With Our Kids” event, where attendees were met with protesters with a pro-LGBTQ organization.
“Police working to keep two different groups apart, witnessed multiple people inside one group throw items at the opposing group around 1:30 PM Saturday,” a statement from police says. “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 inital scuffle.” Twelve additional arrests were made for assault and obstruction.
“In total, police arrested 22 individuals for charges of assault and obstruction and booked them into King County Jail,” the statement added. “Officers also arrested one juvenile for obstruction, who was released from the precinct.”
Harrell said in a statement following the arrests, “Seattle is proud of our reputation as a welcoming, inclusive city for LGBTQ+ communities, and we stand with our trans neighbors when they face bigotry and injustice. 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.”
“I am grateful for those who make their voices heard in support of our neighbors without resorting to violence,” Harrell 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.”
MayDayUSA will visit five U.S. cities to “stand for our children, restore the family unit, and proclaim the gospel of Jesus,” its website says.
