Five years ago, the streets of Seattle became a stage for a heated debate about public safety, protest, and the right to assemble. The CHOP, or Capitol Hill Organized Protest, occupied an entire Seattle neighborhood, a symbol of a nation grappling with systemic racism and police brutality. But within that charged atmosphere, a tragedy unfolded. This week, The Seattle Times sheds light on the unsolved death of a teenager during those tumultuous days, a haunting reminder of the complex legacy of CHOP and the lingering questions it leaves behind.
A Life Cut Short
Antonio Mays Jr., a 16-year-old caught in the whirlwind of Seattle’s protest movement, tragically lost his life on June 29, 2020, within the confines of the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) zone. His presence in Seattle was fueled by a desire to participate in the civil rights demonstrations that erupted following the murder of George Floyd. However, his involvement in the protests would ultimately culminate in a fatal encounter that remains shrouded in unanswered questions and a lack of accountability.
Mays Jr.’s death unfolded amidst the escalating chaos and violence that characterized the CHOP zone. As tensions simmered, the zone, established as a self-governed space by protesters, descended into lawlessness. Footage captured Mays Jr. attempting to flee the zone in a white Jeep along with a 14-year-old companion. Their escape attempt was abruptly cut short by gunfire, leaving Mays Jr. fatally wounded. The chilling incident, captured on multiple video recordings, serves as stark evidence of the violence that plagued the CHOP zone.
A Lack of Justice: A Five-Year Wait for Answers
Despite the existence of compelling video evidence, the circumstances surrounding Mays Jr.’s death have remained a source of intense frustration and unanswered questions for his family and the broader community. The lack of an arrest in the case, even after five years, has fueled accusations of systemic failures and a disregard for justice.
The family’s repeated inquiries and calls for accountability have been met with silence. The absence of a clear investigation and the failure to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for Mays Jr.’s death have deepened the sense of injustice and impunity surrounding the case.
The Shadows of CHOP: A Complex Legacy
The CHOP zone, initially conceived as a space for peaceful protest and social justice, ultimately became a symbol of lawlessness and violence. Its establishment, amidst the heightened emotions and unrest following the George Floyd protests, was met with both praise and criticism. While some lauded the CHOP zone as a symbol of community empowerment and resistance, others condemned it as a breeding ground for criminal activity and a challenge to law and order.
The city of Seattle’s response to the CHOP zone was marked by a complex interplay of factors, including concerns about public safety, the desire to avoid escalating tensions, and the need to balance the rights of protesters with the needs of the broader community. The city’s efforts to manage the situation, however, were often criticized as being inconsistent and ineffective. The rapid descent of the CHOP zone into chaos and violence underscored the fragility of the peace that had initially prevailed.
The CHOP zone serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges associated with managing large-scale protests and the delicate balance between upholding public safety and protecting the rights of individuals to assemble and express their views.
Lawsuits and Investigations: Seeking Accountability
Allegations of Government Negligence
In the wake of Mays Jr.’s death, Antonio Mays Sr., the victim’s father, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Seattle, King County, and the state of Washington. The lawsuit, filed by attorney Evan Oshan of Oshan & Associates, alleges that government officials were aware of the dangerous conditions within the CHOP zone and failed to take adequate steps to protect the public. Oshan points to a forensic report by expert Brandon Leatha, which claims that 27,000 text messages related to the CHOP zone were destroyed by city officials. He also cites a federal judge’s order fining and sanctioning the city of Seattle $600,000 for spoliation of evidence. The lawsuit further asserts that while Mays Jr. was attempting to escape the CHOP zone, he was shot by a makeshift police force known as the “Chop Cops,” who were allegedly under the direction of Seattle city officials.
Internal Affairs Complaint
An internal affairs complaint was also filed, alleging that the Seattle Police Department (SPD) failed to follow regular procedures in the handling of the incident. The complaint highlights the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding the shooting, further fueling public outrage and demands for justice.
The Seattle Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released a report in 2021, titled “Sentinel Event Review of Police Response to 2020 Protests in Seattle,” which identified multiple failures associated with the CHOP zone. The report, available on the OIG website, provides a detailed analysis of the events that unfolded, including the SPD’s response to the violence and the lack of effective coordination between law enforcement agencies.
The ongoing legal proceedings and investigations into the death of Antonio Mays Jr. highlight the complex issues surrounding policing, protest, and accountability in the aftermath of a highly volatile and emotionally charged period in American history.
Holding the City Responsible:
On June 8, 2023, a lawsuit was filed by Antonio Mays Sr. and his legal team, Oshan & Associates, against the City of Seattle, King County, and the State of Washington. The complaint alleges that the city, county, and state failed to provide adequate protection and safety to citizens during the 2020 protests, resulting in the death of Antonio Mays Jr., a 16-year-old teenager who was shot and killed in the CHOP zone.
The lawsuit outlines several allegations against the city, county, and state, including the encouragement of lawlessness and the destruction of evidence. The complaint alleges that the city had knowledge of the violence, chaos, danger, and potential danger in the CHOP zone but failed to take adequate measures to prevent it.
Specifically, the lawsuit alleges that:
- The city failed to provide adequate security and policing in the CHOP zone, allowing lawlessness to reign.
- The city destroyed evidence related to the shooting death of Antonio Mays Jr., including 27,000 text messages.
- The city failed to provide timely and adequate medical care to Antonio Mays Jr. after he was shot, resulting in his death.
The lawsuit also alleges that the city, county, and state failed to follow standard protocols and procedures in responding to the 2020 protests, including the use of makeshift security forces, known as the “CHOP Cops,” which were under the direction of Seattle City officials.
The Internal Affairs Complaint:
On June 8, 2023, an internal affairs complaint was filed against the Seattle Police Department, alleging that the incident involving the shooting death of Antonio Mays Jr. did not comply with regular police procedures and protocols.
The complaint alleges that the Seattle Police Department failed to:
- Conduct a thorough and timely investigation into the shooting death of Antonio Mays Jr.
- Follow standard protocols and procedures in responding to the 2020 protests.
- Provide adequate training to officers on how to handle complex situations involving public safety and civil liberties.
The internal affairs complaint also alleges that the Seattle Police Department failed to take adequate measures to prevent the shooting death of Antonio Mays Jr., including failing to provide adequate security and policing in the CHOP zone.
The Inspector General’s Report:
The Seattle Office of the Inspector General conducted a Sentinel Event Review of the Police Response to 2020 Protests in Seattle, which outlines the multiple failures associated with the CHOP zone.
Key findings of the report include:
- Failure to follow standard protocols and procedures in responding to the 2020 protests.
- Failure to provide adequate security and policing in the CHOP zone.
- Failure to conduct a thorough and timely investigation into the shooting death of Antonio Mays Jr.
The report also found that the CHOP zone was “abandoned without a working plan to provide essential services,” leading to a botched effort by paramedics to reach Antonio Mays Jr. after he was shot.
The Lingering Questions and Their Impact:
The Price of Inaction:
Five years after the death of Antonio Mays Jr., the lack of accountability and closure for his family and the community continues to have a profound impact.
The failure to hold the city, county, and state accountable for their actions has resulted in:
- A continued lack of trust in law enforcement and government institutions.
- A sense of injustice and frustration among the community.
- A continued lack of progress in addressing the underlying issues that led to the 2020 protests.
Lessons Unlearned:
The failure to learn from the events of 2020 and the subsequent lack of accountability has allowed systemic failures to continue and has set a dangerous precedent for future protests and complex situations involving public safety and civil liberties.
This lack of accountability has resulted in:
- A continued reliance on makeshift security forces and untrained personnel.
- A failure to provide adequate training to officers on how to handle complex situations.
- A continued lack of transparency and accountability in police and government institutions.
The Path Forward:
To address the issues raised by the death of Antonio Mays Jr., it is essential to take a comprehensive and inclusive approach that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and community engagement.
This can be achieved through:
- Improved police training on how to handle complex situations involving public safety and civil liberties.
- Community policing strategies that prioritize building trust and relationships between law enforcement and the community.
- A commitment to transparency and accountability in police and government institutions.
By taking these steps, we can work towards a more just and equitable society where the rights and dignity of all individuals are respected and protected.
Conclusion
Five years have passed since the CHOP zone in Seattle became a focal point of national debate, and the tragic death of Lorenzo Anderson remains shrouded in unanswered questions. The Seattle Times article powerfully highlights the complex interplay of social unrest, political polarization, and public safety that characterized this period. While the legal system has been unable to definitively resolve the circumstances surrounding Anderson’s death, the article underscores the lasting impact of this event on the Seattle community, exposing deep fissures in trust and understanding. The unanswered questions surrounding Anderson’s death serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring challenges in addressing systemic issues that contribute to social unrest. The article compels us to confront the difficult realities of policing, the complex needs of marginalized communities, and the urgent need for dialogue and reconciliation. The desire for justice for Anderson and a thorough understanding of the events that transpired should not be forgotten. His story remains a stark testament to the human cost of societal divisions and the urgent need for solutions that prioritize both public safety and social equity. Only through honest reflection and a commitment to meaningful change can we hope to prevent future tragedies like this from occurring.