Seattle, WA – May 25, 2025 – What began as a peaceful Christian prayer rally in Seattle’s Capitol Hill turned into a volatile clash Saturday afternoon, ending with dozens arrested and one police officer injured after hours of unrest. The rally, hosted by On Fire Ministries as part of its “Mayday USA” tour, was forcefully interrupted by counter-protesters—many identifying with LGBTQ+ and leftist groups—who accused the event of promoting transphobia and religious extremism.
Mayday USA Rally Sparks Showdown at Cal Anderson Park
The event, branded around the slogan “#DontMessWithOurKids,” was billed by organizers as a family-friendly call for biblical truth and traditional values. The rally drew several hundred Christian attendees, many from out of town, who gathered to hear speeches, pray, and advocate for what they described as a return to moral clarity in public policy.
But Cal Anderson Park, located in Seattle’s liberal-leaning Capitol Hill neighborhood, became a flashpoint for conflict when a large group of counter-protesters, including activists from Radical Women Seattle and the Freedom Socialist Party, marched toward the rally chanting, “Keep your Bibles off our bodies!” and waving signs denouncing hate and bigotry.
Tensions Escalate Into Chaos
Eyewitnesses say the situation escalated quickly. Around 1:30 p.m., confrontations between the two groups turned physical. Police stepped in when projectiles—ranging from water bottles to smoke devices—were reportedly thrown at rally attendees.
According to the Seattle Police Department, officers began arresting individuals who were interfering with the rally or assaulting participants. Protesters then clashed with police directly, leading to more arrests. A total of 23 individuals were taken into custody—22 adults and one juvenile—on charges including assault, obstruction, and resisting arrest. At least one officer was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after being struck during the melee.
Officers remained deployed throughout the evening as tensions remained high, with sporadic confrontations and minor skirmishes reported even after the event concluded.
Mayor and Officials Respond Swiftly
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell addressed the incident Sunday morning, calling the violence “unacceptable” but reiterating the city’s commitment to LGBTQ+ rights. “Seattle will not tolerate hate speech disguised as free speech, nor will we tolerate violence in our streets,” Harrell said. He added that anarchist elements appeared to hijack the peaceful protest, escalating it into chaos.
Harrell has ordered a full review of the incident, including the city’s permitting process and police response. He acknowledged the complex balance between protecting free speech and maintaining public order, especially when sensitive topics such as gender identity and religion collide.
Public Outrage and Polarization
The rally and its aftermath have ignited a firestorm of reactions online. Supporters of On Fire Ministries have decried the violence, calling it an attack on religious freedom. “We came here to stand for truth and protect children. We were met with hatred and violence,” said Pastor Mike Reid, one of the rally speakers. “This is exactly why we’re here—to push back against a culture that’s lost its way.”
On the other side, progressive activists argue that the rally’s messaging was inherently harmful to LGBTQ+ individuals and should not have been permitted in Capitol Hill, a historically inclusive neighborhood. “These people are not victims—they are peddling hate,” said one protester who declined to give their name. “Trans people have a right to exist without being demonized in our parks.”
A New Battleground Over Cultural Values
The clash at Cal Anderson Park has become emblematic of a larger cultural war brewing in the U.S. As Christian activists continue organizing events under banners like #DontMessWithOurKids, LGBTQ+ advocates are responding with increased urgency, accusing these groups of using religion to justify discrimination.
Meanwhile, political leaders on both sides are watching closely. With a presidential election year approaching, flashpoints like Seattle could play a major role in shaping public discourse on religious freedom, parental rights, and gender identity policies.
What’s Next for Seattle?
The Seattle Police Department has pledged a transparent investigation and is working to identify individuals responsible for inciting violence. On Fire Ministries has announced plans to continue its tour in other major cities despite the unrest.
City officials are bracing for more protests in the coming weeks, and local leaders are urging all parties to prioritize peaceful expression.
Whether viewed as a righteous stand or a provocative stunt, the Mayday USA rally has left a lasting impression—one that will continue to spark debate over the limits of protest, the meaning of free speech, and the deepening divides in American society.
