A fiery political fight has broken out in Seattle after Mayor Bruce Harrell blamed a Christian worship rally—rather than the violent activists who crashed it—for the chaos that erupted over the weekend. Now, one pastor is demanding an apology, while legal threats loom.

The Mayday USA “Don’t Mess With Our Kids” tour made its latest stop at Cal Anderson Park, a controversial Seattle site known for BLM and Antifa protests. Hundreds of Christian attendees gathered peacefully to support traditional family values and religious freedom. But they were met with a swarm of counter-protesters from far-left groups like the Freedom Socialist Party and Radical Women. Tensions boiled over. Police were attacked. One officer was hospitalized. Twenty-three protesters were arrested.

Despite this, Mayor Harrell issued a statement blaming the Christians. He called the rally a “far-right event” that sought to “provoke a reaction by promoting beliefs that are inherently opposed to our city’s values.” Harrell claimed to support “peaceful” protest but offered more sympathy for the counter-protesters than for the victims of violence. He even suggested city officials may have made a mistake by allowing the rally to take place there at all.

That drew immediate backlash.

Pastor Russell Johnson of Pursuit NW is demanding an apology. “The Mayor of Seattle owes Christians in WA State an apology for his bigoted remarks,” Johnson posted. “Church people were assaulted. And the Mayor of Seattle has the audacity to blame Christians for the violence.” He accused Harrell of cowardice, corruption, and political scapegoating, citing the mayor’s past legal troubles and revolving door of police chiefs.

Johnson is now organizing a follow-up rally at Seattle City Hall, vowing to hold Harrell accountable. Antifa-linked groups have already announced plans to counter-protest the event.

Meanwhile, Folake Kellogg, a pastor and spokesperson for the Mayday USA rally, pushed back on claims that the group deliberately incited conflict. She said they originally sought a different location—Victor Steinbrueck Park—but were turned down by the city. “They say we don’t like people. We’re not the ones throwing things. We’re here to love Jesus,” Kellogg said.

Legal heat is also rising. Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is now reviewing possible legal action against the city for failing to protect the rights of peaceful demonstrators. “Federal and state laws protect free speech and religious freedom for all, regardless of their views,” the group said. “The City has a legal obligation to ensure the safety and rights of all citizens.”

ADF emphasized that the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees equal protection for people of faith to express their beliefs without harassment or fear of mob violence.

Harrell tried to split blame by suggesting that anarchists “infiltrated” the crowd of counter-protesters. But critics say the mayor’s words added fuel to the fire—painting the Christian demonstrators as extremists while giving a pass to the violent radicals who turned the streets of Seattle into a battleground.

As Tuesday’s “Rattle in Seattle” rally approaches, tensions are likely to intensify. The pastor who was attacked is returning to the scene—this time to fight not just for an apology, but for constitutional protections every American should enjoy.