A pastor from Seattle is addressing a chaotic situation that unfolded during a worship event in Cal Anderson Park, where a large group of antifa activists showed up. Russell Johnson, the pastor of Pursuit NW, organized the Mayday USA Rally last month, which included prayers, worship, free haircuts, bicycle giveaways, and groceries for the local community.
However, the event attracted antifa protesters, who reportedly threw balloons filled with urine at participants.
Johnson commented on the media’s portrayal of the gathering, stating it was mischaracterized as an anti-LGBT rally. “I think it’s been framed incorrectly,” he mentioned during an appearance on Fox News. He described the protesters as numbering in the hundreds, asserting that they were throwing urine-filled balloons at Christians engaged in their worship.
According to reports, over 20 arrests were made during the incident. In response, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell’s office issued a statement in support of the LGBTQ community, labeling the worship event as “far-right.” The statement emphasized Seattle’s commitment to being a welcoming city for LGBTQ+ individuals and criticized the rally’s underlying beliefs.
In defense of the Mayday event, Johnson remarked that it was intended to be uplifting rather than confrontational, expressing a belief in the transformative power of faith. “We weren’t spreading hate, but rather offering a hopeful perspective on what God can do,” he said.
He also addressed the mayor’s comments and has planned a rally at Seattle City Hall, suggesting that the opposing stance from protesters was similarly aggressive. Johnson described the antifa group as violent, noting they attacked peaceful church-goers who were there to pray and sing hymns.
Following Johnson’s announcement about the rally, individuals from various backgrounds, not just Christians, expressed their intention to support the gathering at City Hall based on their belief in free speech.
A spokesperson for Mayor Harrell responded by underscoring the mayor’s commitment to love and justice, suggesting that his views contrast with those presented by the rally’s organizers. Harrell further noted that Christianity in Seattle isn’t uniform, and many Christians disagree with the rally’s message.
Johnson criticized the mayor’s stance as detrimental to his political future, claiming it was influenced by left-wing agitators who are disconnected from their constituents.
Additionally, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino has called for an investigation into alleged threats of violence against religious groups.
