Summary
Overview
This is a trailer for an upcoming investigative documentary series from NPR's Embedded podcast about the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) in Seattle during 2020. The series examines the tragic shooting death of 16-year-old Antonio Mays Jr. inside the autonomous zone that protesters created after police abandoned their precinct. Reporters Will James and Sydney Brownstone investigate how a space designed to protect Black lives ended up taking one, exploring the events of that night through new witnesses, evidence, and the perspective of Antonio's grieving father.
The Creation of CHOP
In 2020, following intense protests against police brutality, Seattle police abandoned their East Precinct building. Protesters occupied approximately eight city blocks in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, establishing what they called the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP). The occupied zone featured tents, free food, mutual aid stations, and stages for speeches and music, evolving into a community experiment attempting to demonstrate what a world without police might look like.
- Police abandoned their precinct after standoff with anti-police brutality protesters
- Protesters occupied about eight city blocks in the middle of Seattle
- The zone included free food, mutual aid station, and a stage for speeches and music
- They named it CHOP - the Capitol Hill Organized Protest
" It evolved into this community. They called it CHOP. The Capitol Hill Organized Protest. A place with no police. It was their attempt to build a better world. For a moment there, it was utopia. "
Security Concerns and Armed Protesters
As the occupation continued, protesters grew concerned about potential attacks from right-wing activists, including the Proud Boys. In response, some protesters took it upon themselves to act as security for CHOP, patrolling the area in tactical gear and carrying firearms including AR-15 rifles. This self-appointed security force represented a controversial aspect of the police-free zone, as armed civilians attempted to provide protection for the community.
- Protesters feared attacks from right-wing activists and Proud Boys
- Some protesters appointed themselves as CHOP security
- Security members walked around in tactical gear carrying AR-15 rifles
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