NEWS HEADLINES: Targeted — FBI Launches Major Ops

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FBI launches investigation after Christians in Seattle faced knife threats, urine balloons, and sexually explicit acts during prayer rally, while the city’s mayor blamed the victims.

Key Takeaways

  • The FBI is investigating potential targeted violence against Christians after two Mayday USA prayer events in Seattle were violently disrupted, resulting in 31 arrests across both events.
  • A 17-year-old attendee was reportedly threatened with a knife by counter-protesters, while police officers were assaulted and urine-filled water balloons were thrown at Christian participants.
  • Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has come under fire for labeling the Christian prayer rally as a “right-wing” event, seemingly shifting blame to the victims rather than addressing the violent counter-protesters.
  • The confrontations occurred after city officials permitted the Christian event to be held in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, an area known for its strong LGBTQ+ community presence.
  • FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino emphasized that “freedom of religion isn’t a suggestion” as federal authorities step in to investigate potential civil rights violations.

FBI Steps In After Violent Attacks on Christian Prayer Rally

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has launched a formal inquiry into what appears to be targeted violence against Christian groups in Seattle following two prayer rallies that descended into chaos. The investigation comes after members of the evangelical group Mayday USA faced violent opposition during events held in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood and outside City Hall. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced the investigation on social media, emphasizing the constitutional protections afforded to religious groups.

“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,” said Dan Bongino, FBI Deputy Director.

The initial rally on Saturday resulted in 23 arrests after counter-protesters, described by witnesses as Antifa militants and members of the LGBTQ community, confronted the Christian group. A subsequent Tuesday event outside City Hall led to eight more arrests for assault charges. Videos from the events show black-clad protesters surrounding attendees, including a woman with a baby, creating an atmosphere of intimidation and fear.

Mayor Blames Christians While Ignoring Violent Counter-Protesters

In a statement that has drawn significant criticism, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell described the Christian prayer event as a “right-wing” rally, effectively shifting blame to the religious group rather than addressing the violent actions of counter-protesters. This characterization came despite reports of serious incidents targeting the Christian attendees, including a knife threat against a minor, urine-filled balloons being thrown at participants, and sexually explicit acts allegedly being performed in front of children.

“One of them actually pulled a knife and threatened a 17-year-old on our side,” said Ross Johnston.

The mayor’s apparent victim-blaming has been condemned by various religious and civil liberties advocates. Critics point out that rather than focusing on the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, city officials have instead characterized a prayer rally as problematic while seemingly downplaying the violent actions of those who disrupted it. Multiple police officers were also reportedly assaulted during the confrontations, further highlighting the severity of the situation.

Location Choice Raises Questions About Intent

Questions have emerged regarding the city’s decision to permit the Christian rally in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, an area known for its strong LGBTQ+ community presence and history of activism. Some observers have suggested that placing a conservative Christian event in this particular location could have been anticipated to create tension. The decision has led some to question whether city officials adequately prepared for the potential conflicts or perhaps even deliberately placed the groups in proximity.

“It’s really important that our city leaders understand and are thinking a few steps ahead. I think, in this case, it’s pretty clear that the Harrell administration was asleep at the wheel,” said Katie Wilson.

Following the Saturday incident, Mayday USA organized a protest at City Hall in response to Mayor Harrell’s comments. This second event also faced counter-protests, resulting in additional arrests. The King County Prosecutor’s Office has not yet released information on charges for Tuesday’s arrests, though eight individuals from Saturday’s event are facing charges of robbery and third-degree assault.

See also

White House Faith Office and Religious Leaders Condemn Violence

The incidents in Seattle have drawn national attention, with religious leaders and organizations speaking out against the violence directed at the Christian prayer event. Pastor Paula White-Cain, representing the White House Faith Office, issued a strong statement condemning the disruption and emphasizing the importance of protecting religious freedoms for all citizens. Her comments highlight the fundamental constitutional protections that should be afforded to religious assemblies regardless of their theological positions.

“The White House Faith Office condemns the violent disruption of Seattle’s Mayday USA worship event… public officials must protect the inalienable rights of all citizens, regardless of their faith or religious beliefs,” said Pastor Paula White-Cain.

Mayday USA leaders have remained resolute in their commitment to expressing their religious views despite the opposition they faced. In a public statement, they emphasized their constitutional rights while acknowledging the resistance they encountered. As the FBI investigation proceeds, the incident raises larger questions about religious liberty protections and the responsibilities of city officials to ensure the safety of all citizens exercising their First Amendment rights, particularly those expressing views that may not align with the dominant political perspective in progressive cities.

“In our peaceful assembly, we have met the resistance of those who despise truth and seek to silence any voice that does not agree with their worldview. Nevertheless, we live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Let it be known: Truth does not retreat in the face of hostility,” said Mayday USA leaders.





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