A worship event in Seattle erupted into chaos last weekend as protesters clashed with Christians gathered for a revival at Cal Anderson Park.
Revivalist Ross Johnston, one of the event’s co-leaders, described it as “the wildest three days of my entire life in ministry.”
Johnston told CBN News’ Raj Nair that while they had anticipated possible protests, “we found out very quickly that the protesters weren’t going to be peaceful and had another agenda in mind.”
🚨NOW: CHRISTIANS TARGETED BY VIOLENCE WORSHIP AT SEATTLE CITY HALL
— Pastor Travis Johnson (@BasedPastorTrav) May 28, 2025
Days after these Christians were assaulted by leftists and maligned and lied about by @MayorofSeattle, they gathered on the steps of Seattle City Hall and sings “Holy Forever.”
Here are the full lyrics:
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A… pic.twitter.com/hzXXOuIs9i
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According to Johnston, a protester rushed the stage and was intercepted by a member of the worship team. “Otherwise, the headline… might be ‘revivalist preacher Ross punches a protester on stage to defend himself,’” he said.
The confrontation escalated into what Johnston called “a riot in Seattle.” He reported, “There was 23 arrests made, all on the protester side. One police officer ended up in the hospital.” He also revealed disturbing incidents: “One of them actually pulled a knife and threatened a 17-year-old on our side… while the kids were getting haircuts, there was actually sexually, you know, explicit lewd acts being done directly in front of the children.”
Far-left extremist groups including Antifa, Trantifa and the Communist Party of America were among the protestors. Johnston said some clergy members who “affirmed same-sex attraction [and] same-sex marriage” also showed up in opposition. “We had the entire gauntlet, so to speak,” he said.
While some accused Johnston’s team of choosing Cal Anderson Park to provoke controversy, he clarified that they initially requested a permit for Pike Place but were redirected by the city. “The city refused and said, ‘Hey, we recommend Cal Anderson Park.’”
Seattle’s mayor responded just one hour after the incident, claiming the Christian group was “attacking his community.” Johnston pushed back, saying, “Are you talking about the Bill of Rights, the U.S. Constitution? I mean, what are we talking about here?” He added, “He was ultimately, without saying it, choosing a side. He was choosing the protester side.”
Johnston’s personal testimony added an unexpected layer to the controversy. “I grew up in a lesbian household with two moms… I became a born-again Christian [at age 15]… I have a lesbian mom till this day who I love, who I have a great relationship with… She’s a financial donor in my ministry.”
To those who accused him of hate, Johnston said, “There was 23 arrests. All of them were on the protesters’ side… There was water balloons with urine being thrown. There was two people who rushed the stage. I mean, those are just the facts.”
He closed the interview by declaring what he believes God is doing in Seattle: “We are in revival and reformation… to reach every major sphere of society in hopes that the greatest harvest in recorded history would take place in our generation.”
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Events like this provide a sobering glimpse into a possible future, where cities like Seattle may increasingly attempt to outlaw Christianity in the public square. From banning public prayer and worship to silencing the name of Jesus itself, the tide is turning. The mayor’s statement — effectively labeling Christian beliefs as hate — is a chilling sign of what may lie ahead.
As Christians, we must prepare for a time when proclaiming the gospel may lead to violent threats, imprisonment or even death. But we are called to stand firm. Now more than ever, we must be bold enough to speak the name of Jesus, no matter the cost.
James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
