Bellevue Expects Protest Tuesday Outside Law Enforcement Dinner

BELLEVUE, WA — Protests are possible Tuesday evening at Bellevue's Downtown Park, during an event billed as a "law enforcement appreciation dinner" at the Hyatt Regency, hosted by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

The dinner drew criticism in April after invitations were sent to Seattle Police Department employees. Interim Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz shared a message on April 16 formally rescinding the e-mail, citing Rev. Franklin Graham's "history and affiliations." Graham is an outspoken supporter of former President Donald Trump, earlier this year comparing the 10 Republicans who voted for impeachment to Judas Iscariot. He has frequently decried same-sex marriage and other LGBTQ rights.

Diaz wrote last month:

“An internal email was shared this week informing SPD employees of a free appreciation dinner hosted by the Rev. Franklin Graham. Based on Graham’s history and affiliations, the email has raised concerns that the SPD may not be committed to the equity of our community’s LGBTQ members. I want to make clear the Department fully supports the equity and just treatment of all people. The SPD did not sponsor this event and is not connected in any way to its hosts. Today I sent a department-wide email to rescind the invitation because its hosts do not share the inclusive values of the SPD.”

According to the dinner's event page, RSVPs for the event are closed, and attendees were told to bring their law enforcement credentials to present at check-in.

Over the weekend, the Bellevue Police Department said it was aware of one or more protests planned for May 11 at nearby Downtown Park, beginning around 7 p.m. The police department said it did not know how large the gatherings might be or whether participants would move beyond the park.