On May 24, 2025, a Christian rally organized by Mayday USA at Cal Anderson Park in Seattle, Washington, turned violent when counterprotesters, including Antifa and transgender activists, clashed with attendees.
The event was part of a nationwide prayer tour promoting Biblical values.
The rally, hosted by the Christian group Mayday USA, drew hundreds of attendees, including local religious leaders and families, who gathered for prayer and speeches.
But tensions escalated when a large group of counterprotesters, estimated to include around 50 to 100 Antifa members and other activists, arrived to oppose the rally’s message.
The confrontation quickly turned physical, with reports of objects being thrown and physical altercations breaking out.
Seattle police intervened, arresting 23 individuals, primarily from the counter-protester group, and one officer sustained a minor injury.
The event was shut down early due to the violence. The FBI has since announced it is investigating claims of targeted violence against religious groups following the incident.
“We came to pray and stand for our faith, but we were met with aggression and chaos,” said a Mayday USA organizer, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons. “This was a peaceful gathering until it was disrupted.”
The clash has sparked widespread debate. Supporters of Mayday USA argue the counterprotesters violated their right to free speech, while critics of the rally claim its message was divisive.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell condemned the violence, stating, “Anarchists infiltrated the counter-protesters group and inspired violence,” according to a press release.
Video footage circulating online shows chaotic scenes, with masked Antifa members shouting and pushing against rally attendees.
One clip captures police forming a line to separate the groups as objects, including bottles and signs, are thrown.
The footage also shows journalist Jonathan Choe, who was covering the event, being confronted by Antifa activists.
This incident follows a pattern of protests at Mayday USA events, which have faced opposition in other cities during their tour.
The group, linked to On Fire Ministries, has been vocal about its “Don’t Mess With Our Kids” campaign, focusing on traditional family values.
Meanwhile, counterprotesters, including local LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, argue the rally’s rhetoric promotes discrimination.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell made statements saying that the Christian rally held at Cal Anderson Park was deliberately chosen to provoke outrage, describing it as a “far-right rally” and implying it was inappropriate for the location due to its potential to start conflict in a queer-friendly area.
The question arises: Do far-right rallies have the same freedom to hold rallies anywhere, as the far-left rallies have?
The investigation into the event is ongoing, with authorities urging witnesses to come forward with additional footage or information.
Watch a clip of the event below provided by YouTube.
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