Investigation follows clashes at evangelical rally and counter-protests in Capitol Hill and City Hall
The FBI has launched an investigation into allegations of targeted violence against religious groups in Seattle, following a series of confrontations between evangelical Christian demonstrators and LGBTQ+ counter-protesters that resulted in multiple arrests and heightened tensions.
On May 24, 2025, Mayday USA, a conservative Christian organization, held a rally at Cal Anderson Park in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. The event, part of their “Don’t Mess With Our Kids” tour, was met with opposition from LGBTQ+ activists and other counter-protesters. Clashes ensued, leading to 23 arrests. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell criticized the rally’s location, suggesting it was chosen to provoke a reaction in a historically LGBTQ+ area, and attributed the violence to “far-right provocations” and “anarchist” infiltrators (New York Post).
In response to the mayor’s remarks, Mayday USA held another demonstration, dubbed “Rattle in Seattle,” on May 27 at Seattle City Hall. This second protest also drew counter-protesters and resulted in eight arrests for assault. No injuries were reported.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced the federal investigation on May 28. “We have asked our team to fully investigate allegations of targeted violence against religious groups at the Seattle concert,” Bongino said. “Freedom of religion isn’t a suggestion” (Fox News).
The FBI’s decision to investigate under civil rights statutes suggests agents may be assessing whether the violence was aimed specifically at individuals due to their religious identity. Under Title 18, Section 247 of the U.S. Code, it is a federal crime to interfere with religious exercise by force or threat. However, legal experts note that not all protest-related violence qualifies. Determining intent—whether the demonstrators were targeted because of their beliefs—will be key to any potential federal charges.
Mayor Harrell’s assertion that the protest location itself was provocative adds a layer of complexity. Groups are legally permitted to demonstrate in public spaces, even controversial ones. The presence of opposing views, even in tense environments, does not void First Amendment protections. If counter-protesters initiated violence due to disagreement with religious content, it could strengthen the FBI’s case. If violence was incidental or mutual, federal charges may be harder to justify.
Beyond the investigation, city officials are facing criticism over how the rally permits were handled. Some residents have questioned why the original rally was approved in Capitol Hill, a neighborhood with a deep-rooted LGBTQ+ history. Religious groups, on the other hand, argue that they were lawfully exercising their rights and were met with organized resistance meant to silence them.
As of June 2, no federal charges have been filed. The Seattle City Attorney’s office is separately reviewing incidents from both rallies to determine if local misdemeanor charges are warranted (KOMO News).
If the FBI determines that participants were targeted for their religious expression, federal civil rights charges could follow. Local prosecutors are expected to announce any misdemeanor filings by mid-June.