A religious rally held on May 24, 2025, in Seattle’s Cal Anderson Park spiraled into chaos as tensions between conservative organizers and counter-protesters erupted into violence, resulting in the arrest of 23 individuals. The event, hosted by Mayday USA as part of its controversial national “#Dontmesswithourkids” campaign, drew sharp criticism and sparked physical confrontations that underscored growing cultural and political divisions across the United States.
Mayday USA, a conservative Christian organization, scheduled the rally in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, an area known for its strong LGBTQ+ presence and progressive activism. The “#Dontmesswithourkids” campaign, which Mayday USA has taken nationwide, advocates for what the group describes as the protection of children from liberal ideologies, particularly those involving gender identity and sexuality. According to organizers, the campaign is intended to uphold traditional family values and religious freedoms, but critics argue it promotes anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric under the guise of child protection.
City officials and local activists viewed the selection of Cal Anderson Park as a deliberate provocation. The park, located in the heart of Capitol Hill, has long served as a hub for Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community and was notably the site of major protests during the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell publicly condemned the event’s location, suggesting that it was chosen specifically to incite unrest in a community known for its inclusivity and progressive politics.
From the onset of the rally, counter-protesters arrived in significant numbers, including members of the Seattle Democratic Socialists of America and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. Tensions escalated quickly as demonstrators clashed with attendees and law enforcement. Within the first 30 minutes, objects were reportedly thrown at the rally stage and police officers. According to the Seattle Police Department, some counter-protesters engaged in property destruction and physical altercations, prompting officers to respond with crowd-control measures including pepper spray.
Law enforcement made 23 arrests over the course of the five-hour confrontation. The charges included assault, vandalism, obstruction, and disorderly conduct. Police officials indicated that while many of the counter-protesters demonstrated peacefully, a faction of self-identified anarchists joined the scene and played a significant role in instigating violence. Authorities said investigations are ongoing, with more arrests possible as video evidence is reviewed.
Mayday USA organizers responded to the backlash by asserting that their rally was peaceful until disrupted by what they described as “radical activists.” They also claimed that city officials forced them to accept the Capitol Hill location rather than an alternative venue. In a statement released after the event, Mayday USA reiterated their commitment to what they call “faith-based advocacy” and denounced the violence.
The incident has reignited national debate around freedom of speech, public protest rights, and the fine line between protected expression and hate speech. It also highlights a growing trend of ideological confrontations in public spaces, particularly where conservative movements and LGBTQ+ communities intersect.
As Seattle continues to process the fallout, city leaders, activists, and residents are left grappling with the broader implications of such divisive public demonstrations. The clash at Cal Anderson Park serves as a stark reminder of the volatile political and cultural climate in the United States, where issues of religion, education, identity, and community values increasingly converge in conflict.
The Seattle Police Department and city officials have pledged transparency in their investigation and are encouraging anyone with relevant information or footage to come forward. Community leaders from both sides of the divide have called for dialogue, but with Mayday USA planning further stops on their national tour, tensions are likely to persist in the weeks ahead.
