KOMO News video screengrab
A rally in Seattle that defended both life in the womb and the reality of unchangeable genders escalated into violence May 24, leading to numerous arrests and further tension. Different groups blame local leaders for the incident.
Local ABC affiliate KOMO News reported that Mayday USA, a Christian pro-life grassroots movement, held a rally at Cal Anderson Park in Seattle, which is in the center of the city’s LGBT community. The rally’s organizers reportedly asked for a permit to hold the event at a different park, but the city directed them to Cal Anderson Park.
According to KOMO News, counterprotesters from feminist, pro-abortion and political groups also arrived at the park, “dancing, singing, holding signs, waving flags, and giving speeches.” Attendees at the Mayday rally listened to music and speeches from a stage.
A few confrontations between the two sides broke out, prompting police to start making arrests. A larger fight broke out when one group threw items at the other and police began making more arrests, being assaulted by other protesters in the process. Seattle police said that 11 individuals were arrested “during the initial scuffle,” according to KOMO News.
By the time all the other related violent incidents, which included physical altercations, were over, a total of 23 people had been arrested for charges of assault and obstruction and booked into the county jail. Mayday USA has maintained that none of its members were among those arrested.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell immediately blamed Mayday USA for the violence, denouncing the rally as “bigotry and injustice.”
“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,” Harrell stated.
KOMO News reported that Jenny Donnelley, a Mayday USA organizer, refuted the accusations.
“To say that we attacked people or we attacked somebody’s viewpoint or values is completely bogus,” she said.
She added, “We live in a country where people can openly maybe not see eye to eye, maybe not agree on something, but we have the freedom of speech, but violence is totally uncalled for and not one person from our movement was violent.”
According to KOMO News, advocates from both sides have questioned the city’s wisdom in placing the rally in an LGBT area. Ross Johnston, co-leader of Mayday USA, found issue with the location of the rally, adding that it’s “interesting” how Harrell publicly condemned the pro-life organization.
Doreen McGrath, a counterprotester and organizer with the Freedom Socialist Party, was among those demanding to know the reason for the city’s decision.
“The parks department denied them a permit at another park and put them here, and I want to know what city official was responsible for that,” McGrath said, according to KOMO News.
She added that community members are feeling “tense and upset” and called for Harrell to explain why he allowed the rally to take place in the area.
