The Unresolved Shooting at Seattle’s CHOP Zone

Antonio Mays Sr. in Pursuit of Justice

Antonio Mays Sr. holds a photo of himself and his son, Antonio Mays Jr., in Superior Court at the King County Courthouse in Seattle on December 10, 2025. As Ellen M. Banner captures this poignant moment, the events of June 29, 2020, remain vivid in the minds of those affected.

The Disturbing Incident at CHOP

Early morning on June 29, chaos erupted within Seattle’s Capitol Hill Occupied Protest, known as CHOP, where racial justice demonstrators had gathered. Around 3 a.m., a stolen white Jeep drove erratically through the encampment, spreading fear among the group occupying Cal Anderson Park. In recent weeks, the area had been on high alert due to several shootings and a car driving into a crowd of protesters.

CHOP existed for 23 days as a protest zone after Seattle police vacated a precinct following mass protests triggered by George Floyd’s murder. While people initially celebrated the police retreat with movie nights and speeches, tensions quickly rose with the arrival of voluntary armed security forces created by demonstrators.

“There’s shots, shots fired I think,” a livestreamer reported in a dark, shaky Facebook broadcast, signaling panic among the protesters.

The white Jeep allegedly fired at protestors. Consequently, people guarding the protest zone, lacking police intervention, responded decisively, shooting all three occupants. Antonio Mays Jr. was killed, and neither arrests nor charges have been made in the years following.

A Quest for Civil Rights

On June 23, less than a month following George Floyd’s killing, Antonio Mays Jr. left home in Southern California to participate in Seattle’s protests. He left his family a note expressing his commitment to fighting racial injustice, specifically for his sister’s future free from racial pain.

Upon reaching Seattle, Antonio Jr. was witnessed participating in CHOP activities, even addressing a crowd about police accountability. His influence was visible but tragically short-lived as, days later, he was shot in the pre-dawn hours while inside the stolen Jeep.

The Chaotic Shooting Night

Security camera footage captured the Jeep fleeing the park and heading towards a clash with CHOP’s security vehicle. Shots fired at the Jeep from another Pathfinder appeared to originate solely from CHOP forces. Any evidence contradicting this narrative remains scarce, prolonging speculation on the events leading to the fatalities.

At the barricades, chaos ensued as armed members prepared to defend against perceived threats. Panic amplified as tensions escalated and shots filled the air. Calls to ‘hide’ and ‘eyes up’ were documented in video footage capturing the atmosphere, lacking concise police action.

A Lingering Mystery

The aftermath was chaotic. Protesters and volunteer medics treated the wounded, and Antonio was driven away in a vehicle instead of receiving immediate professional medical assistance. This scene continues to impede potential conclusions regarding the shooting.

Investigations remain hindered due to witness testimonies. Seattle police, requiring firsthand witness accounts, urge individuals to come forward, stressing the necessity of collaboration without clear resolution.

“We need people to come forward,” stated former Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes. “Those inside the area must speak up.”

As replacements for Barnes continue and investigations stall, Antonio Jr.’s story is documented in detailed narratives shared by various media outlets exploring the depths of CHOP and its impact on racial justice efforts.