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City of Seattle faces possible lawsuit after attack against Christian worshipers

May 27, 2025, 4:59 AM

Cal Anderson Park protest...

Seattle Police arrested 23 people Saturday during a protest at Cal Anderson Park. (Courtesy 成人X站-7)

(Courtesy 成人X站-7)

Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is considering legal action against Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and other city officials after a Christian worship event at Cal Anderson Park was violently disrupted on May 1.

The group, MayDay USA, held a permitted event that quickly descended into chaos after protesters鈥攕ome masked and dressed in black鈥攁llegedly assaulted attendees and police. Videos from the scene showed worshippers being shoved and cursed at, with one man being tackled to the ground.

After police made several arrests, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell released a statement insinuating the worshipers were responsible for provoking the violence.

鈥淭oday鈥檚 far-right rally was held here for this very reason鈥搕o provoke a reaction by promoting beliefs that are inherently opposed to our city鈥檚 values, in the heart of Seattle鈥檚 most prominent LGBTQ+ neighborhood,鈥 Harrell said after the arrests.

Will city of Seattle face a lawsuit?

Now, ADF is considering legal action.

鈥淎lliance Defending Freedom is evaluating legal action against @MayorofSeattle and @CityofSeattle officials following the violent disruption of the MayDay USA worship event,鈥 the group said in a statement on X. 鈥淔ederal and state laws protect free speech and religious freedom for all, regardless of their views.鈥

ADF attorneys argue that the city failed in its constitutional duty to protect those exercising their First Amendment rights.

鈥淐ity officials must not permit violent mobs to threaten, harass, or assault individuals exercising these rights,鈥 the statement continued. 鈥淭he City has a legal obligation to ensure the safety and rights of all citizens. The Fourteenth Amendment guarantees people of faith equal protection to express their views without fear of violence or harassment.鈥

ADF also said it will monitor the city鈥檚 response at the upcoming 鈥淩attle in Seattle鈥 rally, where tensions are again expected between activists and religious groups. Pastor Russell Johnson of Pursuit NW will be leading the rally, calling on Mayor Harrell to apologize or resign. Harrell responded in a statement claiming he’s being targeted for being the city’s “second Black and first biracial mayor.”

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City of Seattle faces possible lawsuit after attack against Christian worshipers