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A Christian worship event in Seattle ended in chaos as violent protesters stormed the event, sparking arrests, injuries, and a fiery political backlash.

A peaceful Christian worship event turned violent last weekend in Seattle, USA, as hundreds of counter-protesters clashed with police and organisers in what participants are calling a spiritual battle for the soul of the city.

The “Mayday USA” rally, hosted by On Fire Ministries, was held at Cal Anderson Park on Saturday, 25 May. Described as a public call to stand for biblical truth, the event was part of the growing #DontMessWithOurKids movement opposing radical gender ideology and affirming Christian family values. But what began as a hopeful community outreach — offering free groceries, haircuts, and open-air worship — quickly devolved into a violent confrontation.

According to Seattle police, violence broke out around 1:30 p.m. when individuals within the counter-protest group began throwing objects — including water bottles and water balloons filled with urine — at Christians gathered at the rally. At least 23 people were arrested, all from the protesting side. One police officer was hospitalised. Witnesses also reported that a protester rushed the stage and had to be tackled to prevent a direct attack on one of the organisers.

Ross Johnson, co-leader of the revival event, recounted the chaos in an interview with CBN News. “We were giving away groceries, offering free haircuts, loving the community,” he explained — “and next thing you know, people are jumping barricades and sexually explicit acts are happening in front of kids”.

Seattle police confirmed that throughout the afternoon, additional arrests were made for obstruction and assault. Fences were torn down, and officers were struck as they attempted to restore order. Reinforcements from the Washington State Patrol were called in by 5:30 p.m.

An Attempt to Provoke—or to Worship?

The event’s location—Cal Anderson Park—is known locally as a hub for Seattle’s LGBT community, raising questions about whether the city council had chosen the venue to stir controversy. Organisers originally requested a permit for Victor Steinbrueck Park near Pike Place Market but were denied. Instead, the city suggested Cal Anderson.

“We actually asked, ‘Are you sure?’” said Johnson. “We just want to gather lawfully and worship peacefully. But they insisted.”

After the violence erupted, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell condemned the rally, describing it as a “far-right event… meant to provoke a reaction” and stating it promoted “beliefs inherently opposed to our city’s values.”

But this statement, Johnson says, reveals a troubling bias: “As an elected official, what values are you talking about? The Constitution? The Bill of Rights? Or are you saying Christians don’t have a place in public anymore?”

He added, “When the mayor took that stance, he was choosing a side.”

NEW: A violent mob of Antifa militants tried to disrupt a Christian concert in Seattle over the weekend.

Instead of coming to the defense of peaceful worshippers, Democratic @MayorofSeattle Bruce Harrell called the gathering an “extreme right-wing rally,” essentially… pic.twitter.com/XvOyPXFGVi

— FRONTLINES (@FrontlinesTPUSA) May 27, 2025

From Revival to Reformation

Despite the violence, Johnson insists the event was not a failure. “This is revival and reformation,” he said. “Revival is worship, prayer, preaching. But reformation reaches every sphere of society. We’re not just staying inside the four walls of the church.”

Johnson’s own story reflects the complexity of today’s cultural moment. Born via artificial insemination and raised by two lesbian mothers, he never attended church until a friend invited him at age 15. That moment changed his life forever.

“I encountered Jesus. I wanted more,” he said. “And now I love my mom, I’ve shared the gospel with her. She even supports our ministry financially. So when people say we hate the LGBTQ+ community—I’m living proof that’s not true.”

To those who opposed the event, Johnson offered a clear and compassionate message: “Number one: the facts are the facts. Twenty-three arrests—all protesters. Police officers injured. Kids targeted. But secondly, we want you there. Even if you think you’re against us.”

He continued, “This is America. People gave their lives so we can speak freely and worship freely. And that’s all we were doing.”

On Fire Ministries has no plans to retreat. In fact, Johnson says the events of Seattle are fueling a larger national movement: “We’re not going to be intimidated. We believe the greatest harvest of souls in history is still ahead. And we’re going to keep showing up.”