Through the Static

By Hannah Saunders

Erika Kirk, a fascist national leader, is coming to Kirkland for her “Make Heaven Crowded Tour” on July 24 at 6:30 p.m. The Pursuit NW Church, which was a key player in several major LGBTQ+ protests in Seattle last year, is hosting Kirk and her event, sponsored and presented by Turning Point USA (TPUSA) Faith.

“The Make Heaven Crowded Tour is a gospel centered gathering calling people to repentance, faith, and bold obedience to Jesus. Join us for a powerful night of worship, preaching, and ministry as we believe God will move in hearts and lives. Come expectant and bring someone who needs hope,” according to the website.

This location of Kirk’s cross-country tour is being advertised as taking place in Seattle, and while The Pursuit does have a Seattle location, they settled on the Kirkland location at 9051 132nd Ave NE. Other event speakers include Lucas Miles, an ordained minister who serves as the director of TPUSA Faith, evangelist and revivalist Ross Johnston, and Pursuit NW pastor Russell Johnson.

Last year, Pursuit NW inflicted harm on Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community by attempting to declare that Seattle— which many Queer people consider a safe haven— belongs to Jesus and by holding events in historically LGBTQ+ areas. In May, Pursuit NW was involved with the MayDayUSA free haircuts for kids event in Cal Anderson Park, which led to Seattle Police officers brutalizing Queer community members and their allies, and over a dozen of arrests. The far-right group said they would return in the fall, which they did on August 30 in Gas Works Park for a Christo-fascist rock concert featuring Sean Feucht, a close friend of Pastor Johnson’s.

Pursuit NW also held an emergency vigil on September 10 in Westlake Park to honor Charlie Kirk, a bigot who believed Gay people should be stoned to death. Kirk played a role in shaping Republican politics, and the event showcased the far-right extremist organization he founded: TPUSA. There were several brief clashes between pro and anti-Kirk attendees. Erika has since inherited and become CEO of her belated husband’s company.

TPUSA has been active on Seattle’s college campuses. This past May, it cancelled a controversial anti-Trans “Pick up the Mic” event on the University of Washington campus that was to feature far-right speaker and de-transitioner, Chloe Cole. The cancellation came days after 19-year-old Juniper Blessing, a Trans student, was fatally stabbed while doing her laundry in an off-campus housing complex.

Although considered a blue region, Seattle and King County have not been safe from the fascist regime, whether it be ICE kidnappings and disappearances, anti-LGBTQ+ attacks at the legislative level, mass surveillance expansion, and more — but community members are eager to push back against it, with chatter of a protest circulating.

“Will you commit to bringing others that need Jesus?” the registration form, which is a first-come-first-serve basis, states.

Help us keep reporting Pacific Northwestern antifascist news! Become a monthly donor now on our website or Ko-Fi.com/ThroughtheStatic or Venmo @ Saundershannah. Thanks for your support!