“FBI Investigates Alleged Targeted Violence Against Religious Groups”
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced Tuesday that the agency is investigating allegations of “targeted violence” against religious groups in Seattle, following recent clashes between demonstrators and counter-protesters in the city’s downtown area.
The announcement comes in the wake of a rally held by the Christian conservative group MayDay USA on the steps of Seattle City Hall Tuesday evening. The rally, dubbed “Rattle in Seattle,” was organized in response to public statements by Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, who had attributed violence at an earlier weekend demonstration to Christian groups and anarchist infiltrators.
“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 wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
According to the Seattle Police Department, eight individuals were arrested for assault during Tuesday’s demonstration, which involved two opposing groups gathering near 4th Avenue. Surrounding streets were closed for several hours but reopened later that evening. No injuries were reported.
The rally followed a Saturday event at Cal Anderson Park, where MayDay USA held a “Don’t Mess With Our Kids” protest that coincided with a pro-LGBTQ+ counter-protest. That earlier event escalated into violence, with Seattle police reporting 23 arrests. City officials confirmed that police officers were injured and property was damaged during the confrontation.
In a press statement following the weekend’s unrest, Mayor Harrell, a Democrat, attributed the violence to “anarchists” who infiltrated the counter-protest group, while also blaming the Christian event for “provoking” the reaction.
“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,” Harrell stated. “Anarchists infiltrated the counter-protestors group and inspired violence, prompting SPD to make arrests and ask organizers to shut down the event early.”
Harrell’s statement drew criticism from organizers of the Tuesday rally, who accused the mayor of religious bigotry and of mischaracterizing the nature of their original protest. In a press release, organizers claimed that the mayor’s rhetoric unjustly blamed Christians for the violence, while failing to hold counter-protesters accountable.
“Mayor Harrell had the audacity to issue a press release blaming Christians for the premediated violence of Antifa,” the group said. “The city of Seattle has continued its spiral into lawlessness and dysfunction while the First Amendment rights of citizens to peacefully assemble have been disregarded.”
Mayor Harrell’s office also released statements from several local Christian and Jewish leaders supporting his position. Among them, Rev. Dr. Patricia L. Hunter, a Baptist pastor, condemned the MayDay group’s theology and approach.
“Mayday’s desire is to wrap their personal hate, fear, and bigotry in Christian speak. It won’t work,” Hunter said. “Those of us who actually follow the Jesus of the New Testament work to make the welcome tent bigger so that all God’s children, regardless of sexuality or sexual identity, are welcome.”
As the FBI begins its inquiry into possible religious targeting, the situation in Seattle highlights ongoing tensions between religious freedom, public safety, and freedom of expression in politically charged public demonstrations. The investigation remains ongoing, and updated arrest numbers from Tuesday’s event are expected to be released by Seattle police in the coming days.
Source article posted here: https://www.foxnews.com/us/fbi-probe-claims-targeted-violence-against-religious-groups-after-evangelicals-protest-seattle
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