CHAZ CHOP ZONE 2020

The Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ), later renamed the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP), was a self-declared autonomous zone in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, established on June 8, 2020, and dismantled by police on July 1, 2020. Spanning roughly six city blocks and Cal Anderson Park, it emerged during protests following the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer on May 25, 2020. The zone formed after the Seattle Police Department abandoned its East Precinct following intense clashes with protesters, who then repurposed police barricades to create a perimeter.

Origins and Setup

The protests began as part of the nationwide Black Lives Matter movement, with Seattle demonstrators clashing with police using tear gas, flash-bang grenades, and pepper spray. After days of standoffs, police vacated the East Precinct on June 8, and protesters declared the area “Free Capitol Hill,” later CHAZ, and then CHOP to emphasize organized protest over secessionist connotations. Signs like “You Are Entering Free Capitol Hill” and “This Space Is Now Property of the Seattle People” marked the zone, which included community gardens, medic stations, a “No Cop Co-op” for free supplies, and spaces for art, speeches, and film screenings.

Goals and Demands

CHAZ/CHOP aimed to create a police-free space to challenge traditional power structures and promote social justice. Protesters issued varied demands, with three main ones emerging:

The zone was described as a mix of protest, street fair, and commune, with no formal leadership. Local rapper Raz Simone was mischaracterized as a “warlord” by some media, though he denied leading the zone.

Atmosphere and Activities

Initially, CHOP was vibrant, with free food, medical aid, art, and community discussions. Residents and visitors reported a sense of safety without police presence, with some calling it a “summer of love” (Mayor Jenny Durkan’s phrase). However, the atmosphere shifted after violent incidents, including four shootings between June 20 and June 29, resulting in two deaths (a 19-year-old and a 16-year-old) and multiple injuries. These events, combined with reports of sexual assaults and property damage, eroded the initial optimism.

Controversies and Media

CHOP drew polarized reactions. Supporters saw it as a bold experiment in grassroots democracy and police reform. Critics, including then-President Donald Trump and conservative media, labeled it a dangerous “anarchist” takeover, exaggerating claims of violence and extortion. Misinformation, like Fox News’ manipulated images, fueled narratives of chaos. Locally, residents like Victoria Beach criticized CHOP for diluting the Black Lives Matter message, while others valued its community spirit.

A federal judge later found that Mayor Durkan, Police Chief Carmen Best, and other officials illegally deleted thousands of text messages related to CHOP’s handling, leading to a $200,000 settlement with the Seattle Times in 2022.

Dismantling and Legacy

On July 1, 2020, police cleared CHOP after Mayor Durkan declared it an “unlawful assembly” due to escalating violence. Over 30 people were arrested, and the East Precinct was reoccupied. The Black Lives Matter mural on Pine Street remains a permanent reminder, maintained by the city. CHOP’s legacy is debated: some view it as a fleeting but inspiring push for systemic change, others as a chaotic failure that harmed the movement’s credibility. Its 23 days exposed tensions between idealism and practicality, with lasting discussions about police reform and community governance.

Posts on X reflect ongoing division, with some users decrying CHOP as a violent fiasco and others defending it as a short-lived experiment unfairly targeted by external forces. The only clear consensus is its impact on Seattle’s social and political landscape, with scars—both literal and figurative—still visible.

Source: https://x.com/i/grok/share/tELmQ9ofCW60NKL0fZgtMJFSp