Antifa to hold ‘sleepover’ in Seattle park ahead of Christian concert to ‘greet the fascist bright and early’

Feucht’s Revive in 25 tour is billed as a campaign to “renew cities that have been devastated for generations.”

In response, Antifa activists have already begun organizing a counter-event. A flyer circulating online promotes an “Antifascist Slumber Party & Potluck” on August 29 in Cal Anderson Park, advertising a sleepover designed to confront the “fascists bright and early.” The flyer called Feucht “another hate pastor” who intends to “spew anti-queer and trans rhetoric” in the heart of Seattle’s Capitol Hill.

The planned counteraction follows a violent clash in May, which ended in 23 arrests after Antifa and other left-wing activists attacked worshippers and police during a peaceful concert in the park.

Although Feucht announced on social media that Seattle approved a permit for his rally on August 30 as part of his Revive in 25 national tour, City Hall disputes the claim.

Callie Craighead, press secretary for Mayor Bruce Harrell, told The Center Square that no permit has yet been issued. According to city rules, permits for park use are typically granted within 15–30 days of the event. Records show the earlier MayDay USA rally’s permit was issued over a month before the event.

Organizers of the previous event originally requested a different location, but a Seattle Special Events program manager recommended an alternate location for the worship event, including Cal Anderson Park.

The group then submitted its first permit request through Seattle Parks and Recreation for Cal Anderson Park, which met the size and logistical needs for the event.

Seattle Parks officials admitted in internal emails that they only realized “after the fact” that the May rally contained “free speech components.” Nevertheless, the city is legally obligated to issue permits for rallies and protests under First Amendment protections, even when controversial.

The MayDay USA rally, held earlier this year, organized by a California-based Christian group tied to the “#DontMessWithOurKids” movement, drew hundreds of worshippers, which was targeted by far-left counter protesters. Antifa militants assaulted attendees and police and twenty-three people were arrested. Despite police objections, a King County judge released seven of the suspects on their own recognizance following their first court appearance.

Rather than criticize Antifa, Mayor Bruce Harrell blasted the event’s organizers as “far-right” agitators who deliberately provoked Capitol Hill’s LGBTQ community. “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,” he said.

Christian leaders, however, accused Harrell of blaming victims while ignoring Antifa violence. Pastor Russell Johnson of Pursuit NW Church, who attended the May event, called on the mayor to resign and apologize to Christians. “The Mayor of Seattle owes Christians in WA State an apology for his bigoted remarks after folks who were holding a peaceful worship event at Cal Anderson Park were violently assaulted,” Johnson wrote on X.

The following week, Christians staged a rally outside City Hall, calling for Harrell’s resignation. The event was once again targeted by far-left extremists. Harrell again condemned the Christians rather than the violent Antifa activists.