Bodycam video revealing an officer pumping-up cops with a “here to fuck people up” pep speech in the lead-up to last May’s Seattle Police Department crackdown on demonstrators against an anti-trans Christian group’s rally in Cal Anderson Park has drawn criticism from officials and calls for the city complete its review of the heavy-handed response.

In the video, the officer says, “We’re going in this time with guns blazing and all our pieces in place,” in one segment from the video’s clips posted to social media after the recording was obtained through public records and shared widely,

“We are past talking to people,” he continues. “We’re here to fuck people up now. We’re done with these guys and the shit they’re doing.”

In a statement, the Seattle LGBTQ Commission said the newly revealed video is part of a string of evidence and reports that show SPD escalated the situation and targeted protesters.

“Scores of heartbreaking videos and witness testimonies after the attack have corroborated claims of targeted assaults on pro-LGBTQ protesters with tangible evidence,” the group said as it called for the officer speaking in the video to be fired and demanded a public release of all SPD body-worn video from the day.

Newly elected citywide Seattle City Councilmember Dionne Foster said she was disturbed by the video.

“Seattle residents have a fundamental constitutional right to free speech and peaceful assembly,” Foster said in a statement. Policing decisions at protests must be guided by de-escalation, clear standards, and accountability.

In the statement, Foster called for “the swift release” of the SPD Sentinel Event Review report on the May crackdown and arrests of 23 protesters in the park.

No charges were ever filed against demonstrators arrested that day.

“The public deserves transparency, and the city has an obligation to share what it learns quickly and clearly so we can prevent future harm,” Foster said.

CHS reported last month as the Office of Inspector General announced it suspended the review process over leaked information from the confidential meetings.

SER panels are typically comprised of a mix of police and community members. Six SPD representatives and six community representatives sat on the May 24th panel.

The OIG said that despite the early suspension of the process, a report on the May 24th incident will still be completed and made public.

In her statement, Foster called for “thorough investigations” by the Office of Police Accountability including “a clear public timeline for findings, disciplinary determinations where warranted, and concrete corrective actions.”

CHS reported here on the May 2025 #DontMessWithOurKids gathering in Cal Anderson and the more than 20 people arrested during protests against the anti-trans rally as a large battalion of Seattle Police armed with batons and pepper spray moved in.

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