The FBI has initiated an investigation into allegations of targeted violence against religious groups following a series of evangelical-led protests in Seattle. This move comes in response to escalating tensions between Christian demonstrators and counter-protesters, culminating in multiple arrests and public outcry over perceived infringements on religious freedoms.

On May 24, MayDay USA, a Christian pro-life organization, held a “Don’t Mess With Our Kids” rally at Cal Anderson Park, advocating for traditional family values. The event was met with a pro-LGBTQ+ counter-protest, leading to clashes that resulted in 23 arrests. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell attributed the violence to “far-right” provocateurs and anarchists, a stance that drew criticism from evangelical groups who felt unfairly targeted, Fox News reported.

In response to the mayor’s remarks, MayDay USA organized the “Rattle in Seattle” demonstration on May 27 outside City Hall. The protest aimed to defend the group’s First Amendment rights and challenge what they perceived as religious discrimination. During this event, eight individuals were arrested for assault, though no injuries were reported.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced a federal investigation, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding religious liberties. “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 stated.

“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,” the mayor said of the original rally, blaming the Christians. “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.”

“Anarchists infiltrated the counter-protestors group and inspired violence, prompting SPD to make arrests and ask organizers to shut down the event early, which they did,” he said.

Organizers of the rally hit back at the mayor.

“Following the MayDay USA worship event at Cal Anderson Park on Saturday, Mayor Harrell had the audacity to issue a press release blaming Christians for the premediated violence of Antifa which resulted in the hospitalization of Seattle Police Department personnel and the arrest of 23 Antifa agitators,” they said. “Under Mayor Harrell’s leadership, the city of Seattle has continued its spiral into lawlessness and dysfunction while the First Amendment rights of citizens to peacefully assemble has been disregarded.”