FBI Probing Allegations of ‘Targeted Violence' Against Religious Groups in Seattle: Official
The FBI is investigating after officials said a religious event in Seattle was disrupted by violence, a top FBI official said on May 27.
'We have asked our team to fully investigate allegations of targeted violence against religious groups at the Seattle concert,' Dan Bongino, the FBI's deputy director,
The office of Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell did not respond to a request for comment by publication time.
Organizers said the May 24 event was held at Cal Anderson Park in support of 'the sanctity of human life, the sacrality of biological gender, the importance of the nuclear family, and the right to freedom of speech and religion.'
They said the movement organizing the event stands against indoctrination of children 'by a liberal, political, and sexual agenda that seeks to destroy their God-given identities.'
Counterprotesters, including the Freedom Socialist Party,
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Clashes at the event resulted in 23 arrests, the Seattle Police Department
The White House Faith Office
'We affirm the fundamental rights to free speech and religious freedom for all Americans, as protected by federal law. Public officials must protect the inalienable rights of all citizens, regardless of their faith or religious beliefs. We urge the City of Seattle to uphold these rights at all faith-based events, safeguarding the ability of people of faith to gather and express their beliefs without fear of harassment or violence,' the office said.
After the event, Harrell, a Democrat,
He said that anarchists infiltrated counterprotesters and 'inspired violence,' which led to officers making arrests and asking organizers to end the event early. The request was accepted.
Organizers said in a statement to news outlets that 'under Mayor Harrell's leadership, the city of Seattle has continued its spiral into lawlessness and dysfunction while the First Amendment rights of citizens to peacefully assemble has been disregarded.'
The Seattle mayor's office later
Russell Johnson, the lead pastor at Pursuit NW,
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