FBI to probe claims of 'targeted violence' against religious groups after evangelicals' protest in Seattle
Share this @internewscast.com

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced on Tuesday that he has called for a thorough investigation into claims of “targeted violence” against religious organizations. This follows an evangelical conservative group’s rally at Seattle City Hall, which was organized in response to the mayor’s accusation that Christians sparked a violent weekend protest.

“We have instructed our team to conduct a comprehensive investigation into reports of targeted violence against religious groups during the Seattle event. Freedom of religion is not merely optional,” Bongino posted on X.

The “Rattle in Seattle” event organized by Christians was held at 5 p.m. on Tuesday on the steps of City Hall along 4th Avenue in downtown Seattle, where members of counter-protest groups were also present, as reported by Fox 13.

A total of eight people were arrested for assault during dueling demonstrations as of 8 p.m., according to Seattle Police. No injuries were reported.

Seattle protest

A total of eight people were arrested for assault during dueling demonstrations on Tuesday. (SDOT Traffic)

“Seattle is proud of our reputation as a welcoming, inclusive city for LGBTQ+ communities, and we stand with our trans neighbors when they face bigotry and injustice,” the mayor said at the time. “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.”

“Anarchists infiltrated the counter-protestors group and inspired violence, prompting SPD to make arrests and ask organizers to shut down the event early, which they did,” he continued.

The mayor also released respective statements on Tuesday from several of the city’s Christian and Jewish leaders siding with Harrell and condemning the weekend “Rattle in Seattle” protest.

“Mayday’s desire is to wrap their personal hate, fear, and bigotry in Christian speak. It won’t work,” Rev. Dr. Patricia L. Hunter, a Baptist pastor, said in a statement. “The call of Jesus to his followers was to first love God and secondly to love our neighbors. In no way does the ideology or bad theology of this fringe group embody the love of God we are to exhibit. Those of us who actually follow the Jesus of the New Testament work to make the welcome tent bigger so that all God’s children regardless of sexuality or sexual identity are welcome at the table of love, justice, grace, and mercy.”

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell speaks at a podium

Mayor Bruce Harrell released a statement after the weekend demonstration, blaming a Christian rally and infiltrating “anarchists” for the violence breaking out at a counter-protest. (David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Organizers of the “Rattle in Seattle” protest took issue with the mayor’s statement, which they said showed religious bigotry and an attack on their First Amendment rights, and held the rally on Tuesday to protest his remarks.

“Following the MayDay USA worship event at Cal Anderson Park on Saturday, Mayor Harrell had the audacity to issue a press release blaming Christians for the premediated violence of Antifa which resulted in the hospitalization of Seattle Police Department personnel and the arrest of 23 Antifa agitators,” the organizers said in a statement. “Under Mayor Harrell’s leadership, the city of Seattle has continued its spiral into lawlessness and dysfunction while the First Amendment rights of citizens to peacefully assemble has been disregarded.”

Fox News Digital has out to the mayor’s office for comment.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Andrew Nuñez, San Bernardino deputy, shot and killed; gunman leads police on Upland, California Motorcycle chase on 210 Freeway

San Bernardino Deputy Andrew Nuñez Fatally Shot; Suspect Flees on Motorcycle in High-Speed Chase on 210 Freeway

UPLAND, Calif. — A dramatic motorcycle pursuit concluded with a severe collision…
Israeli Settler Violence Across the West Bank

Escalating Tensions: Israeli Settler Incidents Surge in the West Bank

A new investigative report from Haaretz exposes a shocking escalation of settler…
Federal food benefits and preschool aid to run dry starting Saturday if shutdown continues

Federal Food and Preschool Support Face Closure Starting This Saturday Amid Ongoing Shutdown

As the clock ticks towards Saturday, millions of Americans face the possibility…
ICE in Chicago news: Nearly 3K arrested in Chicago immigration crackdown, Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino says

Massive Immigration Sweep in Chicago: Border Patrol Chief Reveals Nearly 3,000 Arrests

CHICAGO (WLS) — Customs and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino spoke with…
Federal agents nab 1,000+ illegal aliens in major Illinois sweep: ‘Making the state safe again’

US Teen’s School Threat Uncovers Alleged Gang Connections, Sparks Legal Battle Over Detention

A Brazilian teenager, known for his extensive criminal record and alleged gang…
Birmingham man arrested after Homewood police chase results in crash

High-Speed Drama in Birmingham: Police Chase Ends in Crash and Arrest in Homewood

HOMEWOOD, Ala. (WIAT) — The Homewood Police Department announced the apprehension of…
BLM NYC leader compares himself to MLK Jr upon surrendering to police on charge he assaulted a Black man

BLM NYC Leader Draws Parallels to MLK Jr. During Police Surrender on Assault Charge Involving Black Man

The head of the Black Lives Matter chapter in New York City…
'No plans on moving': Liam Coen shuts down trade rumors surrounding Jaguars' WR Brian Thomas Jr.

Liam Coen Confirms Brian Thomas Jr. Staying with Jaguars Amid Trade Speculation

During his routine press briefing, Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen decisively…
'We're working on staying': Jon Stewart discusses his future as host of 'The Daily Show'

Jon Stewart Opens Up About His Future Plans as ‘The Daily Show’ Host

Jon Stewart is reportedly negotiating to continue his role as the host…
FBI: Man Arrested After Offering to Pay $45K for Murder of Pam Bondi

Shocking FBI Bust: Man’s $45K Murder Plot Against Pam Bondi Exposed

A St. Paul, Minnesota man is facing charges after allegedly posting a…
Pastor McCoy Caught Lying About Son in Charlie Kirk's Shooting

Controversy Unveiled: Pastor McCoy’s False Claims About Son in Charlie Kirk Shooting Incident

The narrative surrounding the Charlie Kirk shooting continues to unravel after video…
Mookie Betts' unheard of baseball transformation isn't getting enough credit

Mookie Betts’ Remarkable Baseball Evolution Deserves More Spotlight

LOS ANGELES — Mookie Betts, a future inductee into baseball’s Hall of…