City of Seattle faces possible lawsuit after attack against Christian worshipers

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.

The group, MayDay USA, held a permitted event that quickly descended into chaos after protesters—some masked and dressed in black—allegedly 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.

“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, in the heart of Seattle’s most prominent LGBTQ+ neighborhood,” Harrell said after the arrests.

All but one of the activists accused of assault during the mass action against a Christian worship event in Seattle have been released on their own personal recognizance by Judge Pro Tem Sarah Perez (unclear why).

Note: Typo in email. Name is Hollie, per KCPAO. pic.twitter.com/HMxAbKTap7

— Jason Rantz on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) May 27, 2025

Will city of Seattle face a lawsuit?

Now, ADF is considering legal action.

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

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

“City officials must not permit violent mobs to threaten, harass, or assault individuals exercising these rights,” the statement continued. “The 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.”

ADF also said it will monitor the city’s response at the upcoming “Rattle in Seattle” 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.”

The @MayorofSeattle tries to reach out to me via back channels. I told his folks… i’m happy to talk after he apologizes and retracts his bigoted statements about people of faith.

**crickets**

Now he releases a statement saying he is being “intimidated” because he is biracial.… pic.twitter.com/A9Vyqzun5y

— Russell Johnson (@russellbjohnson) May 27, 2025

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