Mayor Harrell Responds to Extreme Right-Wing Rally at Cal Anderson Park

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell condemned a far-right rally in Cal Anderson Park, which he said was held to provoke a reaction from the LGBTQ+ community. He acknowledged that anarchists infiltrated the counter-protest and caused violence, prompting early closure of the event. Harrell directed the Parks Department to review the application and the Police Department to complete an after-action report. He praised peaceful protesters and reaffirmed Seattle's commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has condemned the violence that erupted during a far-right rally at Cal Anderson Park, emphasizing the city's commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The rally, organized by the group Mayday USA, was held to promote pro-life and pro-biologic-gender beliefs, and was countered by numerous LGBTQ+ activists and other protesters.

According to Mayor Harrell, the rally was held in the heart of Seattle's prominent LGBTQ+ neighborhood to provoke a reaction from the community. He stated that the city stands with its trans neighbors and condemns any bigotry and injustice they face. The rally led to the early closure of the event after anarchists infiltrated the counter-protesters and inspired violence, prompting Seattle Police Department (SPD) to make arrests and ask organizers to shut down the event.

Twenty-three people were arrested during the rally, including 22 adults and one juvenile. Charges ranged from assault and obstruction to rioting. The SPD noted that officers were assaulted while making arrests, leading to additional arrests. Mayor Harrell directed the Parks Department to review the application for the rally and the Police Department to complete an after-action report, which will include an analysis of crowd management tactics and arrests.

In response to the violence, Mayor Harrell praised those who made their voices heard without resorting to violence. He reaffirmed Seattle's commitment to embracing diversity, loving its neighbors, and standing for justice and fairness in the face of national efforts to attack the trans and LGBTQ+ communities.

References:
[1] https://komonews.com/news/local/mayor-harrell-cal-anderson-park-rally-23-people-arrested-king-county-lgbtq-seattle-police-department-spd-obstruction-assault-neighborhood-transgender-memorial-day-weekend