The Seattle Community Police Commission is seeking accounts of the experiences of demonstrators and park-goers caught up in the SPD response to protests against an anti-trans and reproductive rights Christian rally in Cal Anderson in May.

“Your experience can help inform our work and ensure community perspectives are part of upcoming reviews and policy recommendations,” the flyer being sent to LGBTQ community groups reads.

The Saturday, May 24th Christian rally ended with police moving on demonstrators protesting the event from On Fire Ministries, a Spokane-based religious group that has grown under Christian fundamentalist pastor and former state representative Matt Shea and is supported by anti-LGBTQ religious activist Sean Feucht. There were multiple arrests but no significant charges made against demonstrators.

Seattle officials including Mayor Bruce Harrell and new SPD Chief Shon Barnes have promised a full review of the clash.

The May 24th Cal Anderson Sentinel Event Review underway is required by policy and being conducted by the city’s Office of Inspector General.

In its message seeking reports from the May 24th arrests, the CPC emphasized that it “is not SPD but is one of the accountability partners who hold SPD accountable for police practices.”

“Our commission seeks out communities most impacted by policing in Seattle and we uplift and amplify those community voices in law and policy,” the email reads. It also reminds any participants that “emails and DMs sent to and from the City of Seattle are governed by the Washington Public Records Act and may be subject to disclosure to a third-party.”

The May protest came in a string of demonstrations and marches this spring that included Seattle Police crowd control efforts over reported property damage and threats against officers.

City officials were quick to make sure the permitted appearance of the provocative Christian group would not be repeated in Cal Anderson denying the organization a permit to rally in the Capitol Hill park again in August.

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