Judge Orders Release of 7 Protesters Arrested at Cal Anderson Park Rally
A judge consented to free at least seven individuals who had been detained over the weekend following the incident. demonstrations that escalated into conflicts along with law enforcement present at Cal Anderson Park.
In total, twenty-three individuals were detained after the clash at the park, which was sparked by two opposing gatherings.
MayDay USA, positioning themselves as a Christian Pro-Life group, organized the gathering at the park. They faced off against LGBTQ demonstrators who had assembled for an opposing event. Eventually, law enforcement intervened due to several altercations involving both their personnel and members of MayDay USA.
RELATED: Mayday USA event at Seattle's Cal Anderson Park sparks arrests and controversy
Mayor Bruce Harrell of Seattle issued a statement questioned why the "far-right rally" took place there, implying it was intended "to elicit a response by espousing views that fundamentally clash with our city’s principles right in the middle of Seattle’s foremost LGBTQ+ district."
He similarly pointed fingers at "anarchists" who supposedly joined the counter-protesters and instigated violent behavior.
However, on Monday, a representative from the Parks department indicated that MayDay USA requested and obtained permission to assemble at Cal Anderson Park.
RELATED: Mayor Harrell denounces violence at Capitol Hill gathering, pledges commitment to upholding LGBTQ+ principles
According to Rachel Schulkin from the department, "The Seattle Parks and Recreation allows various events and assemblies within Seattle’s public parks—such as rallies, demonstrations, and activities related to freedom of speech. It is mandatory for us to facilitate these expressions across our park facilities. Initially, this organization applied for an authorization via the Special Events Office under the Office of Economic Development for a road site; they also made their initial request to Seattle Parks and Recreation concerning Cal Anderson Park. Since the park had availability and fulfilled all necessary requirements regarding space and logistics needed for the planned occasion, permission was approved."
ALSO SEE: Seattle police detain 22 adults and one juvenile during disturbances at a rally near Cal Anderson Park
The judge found probable cause on the arrest of the eight people, and only one, accused of assault and robbery, was forced to post a $20,000 bond. The others were released.
The King County Prosecutor’s Office says there have been no felony recommendations forwarded to the office. The Seattle City Attorney could also make misdemeanor decisions. But as of this writing, no one has been charged with a crime.
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