Seattle Christians call for Seattle Mayor Harrell’s resignation after he branded them ‘far-right’

Harrell responded by telling local media, “We will not be intimidated by the kind of fear-mongering or divisiveness inspired by the rally and extreme rhetoric that takes aim at our residence and Seattle's second black and first biracial mayor.”

The event, organized by the conservative Christian group MAYDAY USA, drew hundreds of worshippers and attendees—but also a large crowd of far-left counter-protesters, including Antifa militants, activists from Radical Women Seattle, and the Freedom Socialist Party.

The Saturday afternoon event, which had received the proper city permits, quickly descended into chaos as protesters clashed with worshippers, resulting in multiple assaults and injuries to both civilians and law enforcement. According to police, 23 individuals were arrested—22 of whom were booked into King County Jail, and one juvenile who was later released.

On Monday, during a first appearance hearing, despite a judge finding probable cause for charges of assaulting officers and despite police objections, 7 of the activists were released on their own recognizance.

Among those calling for accountability is Pastor Russell Johnson of Pursuit NW Church, one of the key participants in the event. Johnson, speaking out on X, demanded Mayor Harrell resign and apologize to Christians in Washington for what he described as "bigoted" and inflammatory remarks made in the wake of the violence.

“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 for the high crime of expressing their deeply held religious beliefs in the form of a permitted worship event on city property,” Johnson wrote. “23 Antifa thugs were arrested. Cops were hospitalized. Church people were assaulted. And the Mayor of Seattle has the audacity to blame Christians for the violence.”

Mayor Harrell condemned what he called “extreme rhetoric” from the event organizers, referring to them as “far-right” and saying their presence in the historically LGBTQ+ neighborhood was “deliberately provocative.”

The mayor’s response has fueled further outrage among Christian leaders and conservative groups, who argue that the city is vilifying peaceful faith-based gatherings while turning a blind eye to violent far-left agitators. They point to the fact that despite multiple arrests for assault and obstruction—including injuries to police officers—most of the suspects were released on their own recognizance following their court appearances on Monday.

Critics have accused Harrell of shifting blame away from the aggressors and instead painting Christian worshippers as instigators. They also cite the mayor’s failure to acknowledge the physical assaults on attendees as indicative of political bias.

Harrell further stated: “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.”

“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.”

Many Christians viewed the comments as a veiled justification for the violence. They argue that the city’s rhetoric against them creates a dangerous environment for people of faith and suppresses religious expression in public spaces.

A protest against Mayor Harrell is now planned for 5 p.m. Tuesday at Seattle City Hall, organized by faith leaders and Christian groups demanding accountability and an apology. Far-left activists have reportedly announced plans to confront the demonstration, raising concerns over renewed tensions and the potential for further conflict.

Pastor Johnson posted on X that Harrell had tried "to reach out to me via back channels. I told his folks… i’m happy to talk after he apologizes and retracts his bigoted statements about people of faith. **crickets** Now he releases a statement saying he is being “intimidated” because he is biracial. That’s how you know we are winning. That’s how you know his resignation is impending. News Flash Mayor Of Seattle: you attacked us in public and you will be held to account in public. If you want to talk, me and 1000 others will be on your doorstep Tuesday at 5PM."