Unresolved Tensions at Seattle’s CHOP: The Death of Antonio Mays Jr.

Antonio Mays Sr. grapples with the loss of his son, Antonio Mays Jr., as he stands in court, holding a poignant image of them together. The Seattle courthouse scene on December 10, 2025, resonates with the unresolved events that transpired back in 2020.

Chaos in the Early Hours

Near 3 a.m. on June 29, 2020, anxiety enveloped a group of racial justice demonstrators assembled at Seattle’s Cal Anderson Park. They monitored a stolen Jeep moving erratically near the encampment known as the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest, or CHOP. This self-declared autonomous zone sprang up after police vacated a precinct due to growing tensions following George Floyd’s death. Weeks prior, incidents of violence, including vehicular attacks on protesters and multiple shootings, had heightened their vigilance and fear.

As the white Jeep narrowly avoided a tent, fear morphed into panic, engulfing the camp. Despite initial peaceful activities within CHOP, the atmosphere shifted dramatically, with escalating paranoia and violence.

“There’s shots, shots fired I think,” a livestreamer announced, providing a real-time account of the escalating situation.

Livestreamer Diaz Love’s video, broadcasted on Facebook, was among the early indicators of the perilous events underway. The footage captured the narrative suggesting that the Jeep’s occupants were engaging in aggression against protesters.

Tragic Consequences

Less than ten minutes after the chaotic scenes unfolded, armed individuals managing CHOP’s security engaged the Jeep, resulting in the shooting of its three occupants. Antonio Mays Jr., just 16 at the time, lost his life, while Robert West, 14, sustained severe injuries. Another teenager escaped with minor wounds, evading the unfolding tragedy.

Despite the perception that the Jeep’s occupants posed a threat, six years on, the situation remains unresolved, with no arrests or suspects identified. An extensive investigation by The Seattle Times, KUOW, and NPR’s Embedded podcast casts light on these tumultuous events. It highlights the fatal misreading of a Black teenager’s intentions, one who sought to support civil rights during a momentous national movement.

The Journey North

Born out of the murder of George Floyd, Antonio Mays Jr. traveled from his Southern California home to join Seattle’s protests. With a passion for storytelling and music, he lived surrounded by family and aimed to combat racial injustice. His journey towards addressing inequality ended tragically within CHOP’s unregulated confines.

Fateful Night

As events escalated, frenzied security videos recorded the Jeep reportedly speeding toward a fellow CHOP security member’s vehicle. This tense environment rapidly deteriorated, with shotgun fire emerging from a silver Nissan Pathfinder, targeting the Jeep. As the chaos unfolded, Antonio Jr.’s circumstances worsened, taking a turn toward lethal bystanders’ hands.

Following this, multiple shots pierced the Jeep. Witnesses observed individuals near the Jeep firing, complicating claims of self-defense. Surveillance and livestream footage unveiled a sobering reality devoid of any fired shots originating from the Jeep itself. Post-shooting scenes captured on film underscored the confusion engulfing the protest zone.

Aftermath and Unsolved Mysteries

The post-shooting scenario laid bare the challenges impeding justice. Videos feature attendees attempting to assist, albeit amid disarray. Despite protesters reaching out for aid from police, initial hesitance persisted, with law enforcement not engaging until later. This hesitation surfaced in the crime scene management, leading to the scene being visibly disturbed.

Over time, no substantial evidence surfaced to conclusively resolve Antonio Jr.’s case. Interviews and attempts to gather testimonies from those involved proved unsuccessful. The underlying uncertainties continue to cloud the narrative, necessitating courageous witness testimonials to achieve resolution.

“We need people to come forward,” acknowledged former Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes, emphasizing the necessity of insight from CHOP amidst justice-seeking efforts.

This story accompanies NPR’s Embedded podcast series “We Keep Us Safe,” exploring intricacies within Seattle’s prominent protest scenes.