Latest news with #DontMessWithOurKids
Miami Herald
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Seattle Police at Breaking Point After ‘ANTIFA Land' Mass Arrests-Union
Seattle's police union has hit out at city officials after mass arrests took place in a park when counter-protesters gathered to demonstrate against a rally being held there. The Seattle Police Officers Guild said it welcomed a mayoral review of the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department's decision to allow the rally to be held in Cal Anderson Park on Saturday. "What we are struggling to understand is, why was this park chosen and authorized, especially when this park is commonly known as the heart of ANTIFA land," the police union said in a statement on Sunday. The park and surrounding areas of the Capitol Hill neighborhood were occupied by protesters as part of the nationwide unrest sparked by the killing of George Floyd five years ago. The police union and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell have been contacted for comment via email. Mayday USA, a conservative Christian group, brought its #DontMessWithOurKids rally to Seattle, the fourth of five stops on a national tour, on Saturday. Organizers of the event say the #DontMessWithOurKids movement "refuses to stand idly by while the children of our nation are indoctrinated by liberal, political, and sexual agenda that seeks to destroy their God-given identities." A counter-protest calling for people to "Protest Fascist 'Family Values'"-was arranged in response, with organizers urging people to "send a message with a loud picket line, signs and banners: Bigotry is not welcome here!" Violence broke out at the rally, leading the police department to make 23 arrests. Harrell, a Democrat, said on Saturday that "anarchists" had infiltrated a group of counter-protesters opposing the rally and "inspired violence," leading to arrests and causing the event to be shut down early. He also criticized the Mayday USA event, calling it a "far-right" rally being held in the park 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." The decision to allow the rally to take place in the park "as naïve or deliberate as it was, put police officers in an untenable predicament," the union said. "Whether it's our job or not, we were once again ordered to put ourselves into a political quagmire." The union said that the department lacks the staffing to handle any more "demonstrations that turn into mass arrests." More than 700 police officers have left Seattle in the past decade due to "the public safety political decisions by out elected leaders, activist pressure, and for their lack of action against ANTIFA criminals who continue to dictate public safety political terms," the union said, adding that more than a quarter of the remaining officers are eligible to retire. The remaining officers in the city "are tired. Our community is tired. This is Seattle's public safety political reality." The Seattle Police Officers Guild said: "To be clear, WE DO NOT have the proper staffing to handle any more of these demonstrations that turn into mass arrests. Even more importantly, we as a police union understand that this city lacks the political will to allow police to use the necessary tools to hold back criminal mobs to protect life and property." Mayor Bruce Harrell said in his statement: "Anarchists infiltrated the counter-protesters group and inspired violence, prompting SPD to make arrests and ask organizers to shut down the event early, which they did." He added: "I am grateful for those who make their voices heard in support of our neighbors without resorting to violence. In the face of an extreme right-wing national effort to attack our trans and LGBTQ+ communities, Seattle will continue to stand unwavering in our embrace of diversity, love for our neighbors, and commitment to justice and fairness." Ross Johnston, a preacher and an organizers of the Mayday USA event, wrote on X: "The audacity of the @MayorofSeattle to claim that we as Christians were 'attacking' is bigoted and the rhetoric of a God hating politician whose 'power' came up against a superior force. "PS: all arrests were from the protester camp-it takes a bit of a brain to understand what that means maybe you have one? (Highly doubt it)." Organizers of the counterprotest said: "Anti-queer, anti-trans 'Mayday USA' is bringing their reactionary preaching to Seattle with help from right-wing pastor Matt Shea and his Christian Fundamentalist 'On Fire Ministries.' Provocatively, they are rallying under the hashtag '#DONTMESSWITHOURKIDS' at Cal Anderson Park on Capitol Hill in the heart of Seattle' Queer community. Let's send a message with a loud picket line, signs and banners: Bigotry is not welcome here!" Harrell said he was directing the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department to review "all of the circumstances" of the application for the Mayday USA event "to understand whether there were legal location alternatives or other adjustments that could have been pursued." He said the police department "will complete an after-action report of this event, including understanding preparation, crowd management tactics, and review of arrests and citations." Related Articles Passenger Tries Opening Plane Door Mid-Flight, Gets Zip-tied by VeteransSeattle Protest Breaks Out in Violence: What We KnowGreen Card Holder Who Came to US as Young Child Detained Returning to USHow to Watch Storm vs Wings: Live Stream WNBA, TV Channel 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Christian prayer rally attacked by mob of woke trans activists
Dozens were arrested after violence broke out between woke protesters and police at a religious rally in Seattle. Christian activists from On Fire Ministries hosted their 'Mayday USA' rally at Cal Anderson Park on Saturday. The event was described as 'standing together for Biblical truth and values' as part of the '#DontMessWithOurKids' movement, according to the organization's Facebook. Counter protesters showed up under the theme of 'Keep Your Bibles Off Our Bodies,' according to Fox 13. They brought signs that read 'Republican Lies Kill Trans People' and 'Protect Trans Youth'. Seattle Police Department (SPD) officers arrested 23 people throughout the day as clashes between the groups grew violent. 'Police working to keep two different groups apart, witnessed multiple people inside one group throw items at the opposing group around 1.30pm Saturday,' SPD said. 'Officers immediately moved to arrest the people responsible, and while taking the individuals into custody, were assaulted by more protesters, resulting in even more arrests. In total, officers arrested 11 during the initial scuffle.' The department said on X: 'Orders are being given to protesters to back away from officers and to stop throwing items at officers.' SPD said throughout the afternoon, 12 additional arrests were made for assault and obstruction. 'Individuals in the crowd have begun throwing water bottles at officers,' police said. 'Protesters have now knocked over fencing. Additional officers will be responding to the area to assist in maintaining a safe environment.' By 5.30pm, troopers with the Washington State Patrol arrived at the scene to help SPD. 'One officer was treated and released from the hospital for an injury sustained during the protests,' said the department said. Images from the park showed police tackled protesters to the ground and handcuffed them. Mayor Bruce Harrell condemned Mayday USA's rally and claimed violence only broke out because 'anarchists infiltrated' the event. '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. Injured: Troopers with the Washington State Patrol were brought in to help, and at least one Seattle police officer was treated for injuries 'Anarchists infiltrated the counter-protestors group and inspired violence, prompting SPD to make arrests and ask organizers to shut down the event early, which they did.' Folake Kellogg, 58, a spokesperson for the Mayday USA event, told The Seattle Times that the group was not trying to provoke anyone. 'They say we don't like people. We're not the ones throwing things. We're here to love Jesus,' Kellogg said, According to Kellogg, Cal Anderson Park was not their first choice for venue, and they wanted to hold the event at Victor Steinbrueck Park by Pike Place Market, but the city said no.
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Seattle Police at Breaking Point After 'ANTIFA Land' Mass Arrests—Union
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Seattle's police union has hit out at city officials after mass arrests took place in a park when counter-protesters gathered to demonstrate against a rally being held there. The Seattle Police Officers Guild said it welcomed a mayoral review of the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department's decision to allow the rally to be held in Cal Anderson Park on Saturday. "What we are struggling to understand is, why was this park chosen and authorized, especially when this park is commonly known as the heart of ANTIFA land," the police union said in a statement on Sunday. The park and surrounding areas of the Capitol Hill neighborhood were occupied by protesters as part of the nationwide unrest sparked by the killing of George Floyd five years ago. The police union and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell have been contacted for comment via email. A family walks past Seattle police on 3rd Avenue on March 11, 2022 in downtown Seattle, Washington A family walks past Seattle police on 3rd Avenue on March 11, 2022 in downtown Seattle, WashingtonThe Context Mayday USA, a conservative Christian group, brought its #DontMessWithOurKids rally to Seattle, the fourth of five stops on a national tour, on Saturday. Organizers of the event say the #DontMessWithOurKids movement "refuses to stand idly by while the children of our nation are indoctrinated by liberal, political, and sexual agenda that seeks to destroy their God-given identities." A counter-protest calling for people to "Protest Fascist 'Family Values'"—was arranged in response, with organizers urging people to "send a message with a loud picket line, signs and banners: Bigotry is not welcome here!" Violence broke out at the rally, leading the police department to make 23 arrests. Harrell, a Democrat, said on Saturday that "anarchists" had infiltrated a group of counter-protesters opposing the rally and "inspired violence," leading to arrests and causing the event to be shut down early. He also criticized the Mayday USA event, calling it a "far-right" rally being held in the park 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." What To Know The decision to allow the rally to take place in the park "as naïve or deliberate as it was, put police officers in an untenable predicament," the union said. "Whether it's our job or not, we were once again ordered to put ourselves into a political quagmire." The union said that the department lacks the staffing to handle any more "demonstrations that turn into mass arrests." More than 700 police officers have left Seattle in the past decade due to "the public safety political decisions by out elected leaders, activist pressure, and for their lack of action against ANTIFA criminals who continue to dictate public safety political terms," the union said, adding that more than a quarter of the remaining officers are eligible to retire. The remaining officers in the city "are tired. Our community is tired. This is Seattle's public safety political reality." What People Are Saying The Seattle Police Officers Guild said: "To be clear, WE DO NOT have the proper staffing to handle any more of these demonstrations that turn into mass arrests. Even more importantly, we as a police union understand that this city lacks the political will to allow police to use the necessary tools to hold back criminal mobs to protect life and property." Mayor Bruce Harrell said in his statement: "Anarchists infiltrated the counter-protesters group and inspired violence, prompting SPD to make arrests and ask organizers to shut down the event early, which they did." He added: "I am grateful for those who make their voices heard in support of our neighbors without resorting to violence. In the face of an extreme right-wing national effort to attack our trans and LGBTQ+ communities, Seattle will continue to stand unwavering in our embrace of diversity, love for our neighbors, and commitment to justice and fairness." Ross Johnston, a preacher and an organizers of the Mayday USA event, wrote on X: "The audacity of the @MayorofSeattle to claim that we as Christians were 'attacking' is bigoted and the rhetoric of a God hating politician whose 'power' came up against a superior force. "PS: all arrests were from the protester camp—it takes a bit of a brain to understand what that means maybe you have one? (Highly doubt it)." Organizers of the counterprotest said: "Anti-queer, anti-trans 'Mayday USA' is bringing their reactionary preaching to Seattle with help from right-wing pastor Matt Shea and his Christian Fundamentalist 'On Fire Ministries.' Provocatively, they are rallying under the hashtag '#DONTMESSWITHOURKIDS' at Cal Anderson Park on Capitol Hill in the heart of Seattle' Queer community. Let's send a message with a loud picket line, signs and banners: Bigotry is not welcome here!" What Happens Next Harrell said he was directing the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department to review "all of the circumstances" of the application for the Mayday USA event "to understand whether there were legal location alternatives or other adjustments that could have been pursued." He said the police department "will complete an after-action report of this event, including understanding preparation, crowd management tactics, and review of arrests and citations."
Miami Herald
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Seattle Protest Breaks Out in Violence: What We Know
Violence broke out after counterprotesters gathered in a Seattle park to demonstrate against a "far-right" Christian rally being held there on Saturday. The Seattle Police Department said it made 23 arrests-22 adults and a juvenile-in Cal Anderson Park. One officer was injured. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, a Democrat, said that a "far-right" rally was being held in the park 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." He said that "anarchists" had infiltrated a group of counter-protestors opposing the rally and "inspired violence," prompting arrests and causing the event to be shut down early. Newsweek has contacted the mayor's office and the Seattle Police Department for comment via email. Mayday USA, a conservative Christian group, brought its #DontMessWithOurKids rally to Seattle, the fourth of five stops on a national tour, on Saturday. Organizers say the #DontMessWithOurKids movement "refuses to stand idly by while the children of our nation are indoctrinated by liberal, political, and sexual agenda that seeks to destroy their God-given identities." A counterprotest-urging people to "Protest Fascist 'Family Values'"-was arranged in response, endorsed by the Freedom Socialist Party, Organized Workers for Labor Solidarity, Puget Sound Mobilization for Reproductive Justice and Radical Women. Organizers called on people to "send a message with a loud picket line, signs and banners: Bigotry is not welcome here!" About 500 people attended the MaydayUSA event, and a similar number of people turned out to protest it, said The Seattle Times. Seattle police said officers were working to keep the two groups apart when they witnessed multiple people inside one group throw items at the other at around 1:30 p.m. "Officers immediately moved to arrest the people responsible, and while taking the individuals into custody, were assaulted by more protesters, resulting in even more arrests," Sergeant Patrick Michaud wrote in a news release. "In total, officers arrested 11 during the initial scuffle." Michaud wrote that 12 additional arrests were made throughout Saturday afternoon. He said: "In total, police arrested 22 individuals for charges of assault and obstruction and booked them into King County Jail. Officers also arrested one juvenile for obstruction, who was released from the precinct." One officer was treated in hospital and released after receiving an injury during the protests. Videos on social media showed people scuffling with officers in riot gear, and officers pinning multiple people to the ground. Mayor BruceHarrell said in his statement: "When the humanity of trans people and those who have been historically marginalized is questioned, we triumph by demonstrating our values through our words and peaceful protest-we lose our voice when this is disrupted by violence, chaos, and confusion." He added: "I am grateful for those who make their voices heard in support of our neighbors without resorting to violence. In the face of an extreme right-wing national effort to attack our trans and LGBTQ+ communities, Seattle will continue to stand unwavering in our embrace of diversity, love for our neighbors, and commitment to justice and fairness." Ross Johnston, a preacher and an organizers of the Mayday USA event, wrote on X: "The audacity of the @MayorofSeattle to claim that we as Christians were 'attacking' is bigoted and the rhetoric of a God hating politician whose 'power' came up against a superior force. "PS: all arrests were from the protester camp - it takes a bit of a brain to understand what that means maybe you have one? (Highly doubt it)." Organizers of the counterprotest said: "Anti-queer, anti-trans "Mayday USA" is bringing their reactionary preaching to Seattle with help from right-wing pastor Matt Shea and his Christian Fundamentalist "On Fire Ministries." Provocatively, they are rallying under the hashtag "#DONTMESSWITHOURKIDS" at Cal Anderson Park on Capitol Hill in the heart of Seattle' Queer community. Let's send a message with a loud picket line, signs and banners: Bigotry is not welcome here!" Harrell said he was directing Seattle Parks and Recreation Department to review "all of the circumstances" of the application for the Mayday USA event "to understand whether there were legal location alternatives or other adjustments that could have been pursued." He said the police department "will complete an after-action report of this event, including understanding preparation, crowd management tactics, and review of arrests and citations." Related Articles Green Card Holder Who Came to US as Young Child Detained Returning to USHow to Watch Storm vs Wings: Live Stream WNBA, TV ChannelScientists Warn That These Popular American Cities Are Sinking Under Residents' Feet'We Currently Have No Container Ships,' Seattle Port Says 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Seattle Protest Breaks Out in Violence: What We Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Violence broke out after counterprotesters gathered in a Seattle park to demonstrate against a "far-right" Christian rally being held there on Saturday. The Seattle Police Department said it made 23 arrests—22 adults and a juvenile—in Cal Anderson Park. One officer was injured. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, a Democrat, said that a "far-right" rally was being held in the park 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." He said that "anarchists" had infiltrated a group of counter-protestors opposing the rally and "inspired violence," prompting arrests and causing the event to be shut down early. Newsweek has contacted the mayor's office and the Seattle Police Department for comment via email. A transgender rights activist holds a flag during the Trans Day Of Visibility rally on the National Mall on March 31, 2025 in Washington City. A transgender rights activist holds a flag during the Trans Day Of Visibility rally on the National Mall on March 31, 2025 in Washington Context Mayday USA, a conservative Christian group, brought its #DontMessWithOurKids rally to Seattle, the fourth of five stops on a national tour, on Saturday. Organizers say the #DontMessWithOurKids movement "refuses to stand idly by while the children of our nation are indoctrinated by liberal, political, and sexual agenda that seeks to destroy their God-given identities." A counterprotest—urging people to "Protest Fascist 'Family Values'"—was arranged in response, endorsed by the Freedom Socialist Party, Organized Workers for Labor Solidarity, Puget Sound Mobilization for Reproductive Justice and Radical Women. Organizers called on people to "send a message with a loud picket line, signs and banners: Bigotry is not welcome here!" What To Know About 500 people attended the MaydayUSA event, and a similar number of people turned out to protest it, said The Seattle Times. Seattle police said officers were working to keep the two groups apart when they witnessed multiple people inside one group throw items at the other at around 1:30 p.m. "Officers immediately moved to arrest the people responsible, and while taking the individuals into custody, were assaulted by more protesters, resulting in even more arrests," Sergeant Patrick Michaud wrote in a news release. "In total, officers arrested 11 during the initial scuffle." Michaud wrote that 12 additional arrests were made throughout Saturday afternoon. He said: "In total, police arrested 22 individuals for charges of assault and obstruction and booked them into King County Jail. Officers also arrested one juvenile for obstruction, who was released from the precinct." One officer was treated in hospital and released after receiving an injury during the protests. Videos on social media showed people scuffling with officers in riot gear, and officers pinning multiple people to the ground. What People Are Saying Mayor Bruce Harrell said in his statement: "When the humanity of trans people and those who have been historically marginalized is questioned, we triumph by demonstrating our values through our words and peaceful protest—we lose our voice when this is disrupted by violence, chaos, and confusion." He added: "I am grateful for those who make their voices heard in support of our neighbors without resorting to violence. In the face of an extreme right-wing national effort to attack our trans and LGBTQ+ communities, Seattle will continue to stand unwavering in our embrace of diversity, love for our neighbors, and commitment to justice and fairness." Ross Johnston, a preacher and an organizers of the Mayday USA event, wrote on X: "The audacity of the @MayorofSeattle to claim that we as Christians were 'attacking' is bigoted and the rhetoric of a God hating politician whose 'power' came up against a superior force. "PS: all arrests were from the protester camp - it takes a bit of a brain to understand what that means maybe you have one? (Highly doubt it)." Organizers of the counterprotest said: "Anti-queer, anti-trans "Mayday USA" is bringing their reactionary preaching to Seattle with help from right-wing pastor Matt Shea and his Christian Fundamentalist "On Fire Ministries." Provocatively, they are rallying under the hashtag "#DONTMESSWITHOURKIDS" at Cal Anderson Park on Capitol Hill in the heart of Seattle' Queer community. Let's send a message with a loud picket line, signs and banners: Bigotry is not welcome here!" What's Next Harrell said he was directing Seattle Parks and Recreation Department to review "all of the circumstances" of the application for the Mayday USA event "to understand whether there were legal location alternatives or other adjustments that could have been pursued." He said the police department "will complete an after-action report of this event, including understanding preparation, crowd management tactics, and review of arrests and citations."
