Protests resulting in arrests at the contentious 'Fascist Family Values' demonstration in Seattle
In Seattle's Cal Anderson Park on Saturday, protesters and police clashed during dueling rallies. A group waving transgender pride flags and signs denouncing the "Trump Fascist Regime" gathered around 1 p.m. to protest a Mayday USA event, the fourth stop on a conservative Christian group's national tour. The event, held under the banner #DontMessWithOurKids, was met with opposition as protesters aimed to counter the "anti-trans, anti-queer event led by far-right Christian activists."
Approximately 500 people attended the prayer rally, while around as many protesters voiced their disapproval. By 1:45 p.m., police reported multiple arrests of protesters and ordered them to back away from officers. Videos posted on social media showed altercations between protesters and police in riot gear, with officers pinning several protesters to the ground in handcuffs.
Over the next three hours, police clashed with protesters, using what appeared to be pepper spray. There were no immediate reports of serious injuries. Officers also reported that individuals in the crowd threw water bottles at them. Police called in mutual aid from the Washington State Patrol around 5 p.m.
In the distance, attendees of the Mayday USA rally enjoyed worship music on stage, with pink-and-blue banners symbolizing the "sacrality of biological gender." Organizers of the Christian rally stated they refuse to stand idly by while "the children of our nation are indoctrinated by a liberal, political, and sexual agenda that seeks to destroy their God-given identities."
Far-right preacher and former state Rep. Matt Shea attended the Christian rally, which was also endorsed by the Freedom Socialist Party. The counterrally, labeled "Keep Your Bibles Off Our Bodies," gathered those in support of the LGBTQ+ community and denounced what they perceived as anti-LGBTQ rhetoric.
Saturday's protest was the first under new city rules that allow officers to use weapons like tear gas, pepper spray, and blast balls to control crowds. Previous legislation had restricted such weapon usage. The Seattle City Council passed the new rules in February.
This incident highlights the deep divisions within the community, with both sides expressing strong opinions on free speech and the potential impact of such events on local values.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
The Mayday USA event, marketed as a family festival with activities like free haircuts for kids and bike giveaways, was perceived by many as anti-trans and anti-queer. Counterprotesters gathered under the theme "Keep Your Bibles Off Our Bodies," demanding that the city not condone such events.
In the midst of Washington State's political landscape, Seattle saw a clash between protesters and police during general-news events in Cal Anderson Park, with the Mayday USA event serving as a major point of contention. This event, endorsed by far-right activists, was met with strong opposition from the LGBTQ+ community, who gathered under the counterrally theme "Keep Your Bibles Off Our Bodies."
