A Christian prayer rally has been attacked by a mob of trans activists, leading police to arrest several people.
Christian activities from On Fire Ministries hosted their "Mayday USA" rally in Seattle on Saturday, with the event being described as "standing together for Biblical truth and values".
Counter protesters arrived at the event, under the theme of "Keep your Bibles off our bodies", according to Fox 13.
They showed signs which said "Republican lies kill trans people" and "protect trans youth".
Twenty-three people have been arrested
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The Seattle Police Department (SPD) confirmed 23 people have been arrested as violence broke out.
The SPD stated: "Police working to keep two different groups apart, witnessed multiple people inside one group throw items at the opposing group around 1.30pm on Saturday.
"Officers immediately moved to arrest the people responsible, and while taking the individuals into custody, were assaulted by more protesters, resulting in even more arrests. In total, officers arrested 11 during the initial scuffle."
An additional 12 arrests were made for assault and obstruction, the SPD confirmed.
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The force added: "Individuals in the crowd have begun throwing water bottles at officers.
"Protesters have now knocked over fencing. Additional officers will be responding to the area to assist in maintaining a safe environment."
One officer has been treated and released from the hospital following an injury sustained during the protests.
Images from the park showed police taking down protesters to the ground and arresting them.
Violence broke out at the event on Saturday
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Mayor Bruce Harrell condemned the Mayday USA rally and stated that the violence only occurred due to "anarchists infiltrating" the event.
Harrell said: "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+ neighbourhood.
"Anarchists infiltrated the counter-protestors group and inspired violence, prompting SPD to make arrests and ask organisers to shut down the event early, which they did."
Folake Kellogg, a spokesman for the Mayday USA event, explained to The Seattle Times that their group was not provoking anyone.
He stated: "They say we don't like people. We're not the ones throwing things. We're here to love Jesus."
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