23 arrested after religious rally held in park turns violent, police say

SEATTLE (KING) – Police in Washington State arrested 23 people on Saturday after a religious rally held at a park turned violent.

The chaos erupted at Cal Anderson Park after counter protestors showed up, according to police.

The Mayday USA Tour describes itself as a faith-based initiative offering resources for people who decide on abortions and are in homosexual relationships.

Officers on bikes swept in minutes after speaker Ross Johnston took the stage.

A Seattle Police spokesperson said counter protestors threw items at officers while others took aim at the stage where the rally was held and the crowd that had gathered for it.

Police said multiple people were taken into custody for assault and property destruction a half an hour into the Mayday USA Tour.

Earlier in the afternoon, organizers with the Seattle Democratic Socialists of America said they came to the event to counter the anti-queer messaging. They said multiple groups were invited.

Cal Anderson, the park’s namesake, was Washington’s first openly gay member of the state legislature.

“Well, I think coming to this park was really provocative, you know, and so they’re gonna get met with resistance,” activist Doreen McGrath said.

The other groups invited said they came to the city’s LGBTQ+ community.

“I would say the queer community here is resilient. It’s a very strong community we have each other’s backs,” activist Mia Ebdy said.

The tour’s speakers have also hit other major cities, like Los Angeles, Houston, New York and Miami.

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