In the aftermath of the 2020 Capitol Hill Occupied Protest (CHOP) zone in Seattle, a father has initiated a wrongful death lawsuit against the city for the fatal shooting of his teenage son. The suit alleges that the city fostered an environment of lawlessness within the protest area, directly contributing to the tragic incident.
Antonio Mays, Sr., claims that his 16-year-old son, Antonio Mays, Jr., journeyed from California to Seattle believing he was joining a peaceful Black Lives Matter demonstration. However, according to the lawsuit, the reality within the CHOP zone was far from peaceful.
The lawsuit, filed with Oshan & Associates, contends that the city was fully aware of the escalating violence within the CHOP zone yet failed to implement a plan to ensure essential services or maintain order. It further highlights that another young man was killed in the zone just nine days prior to Mays, Jr.'s death, underscoring the city's alleged negligence.
The suit specifically criticizes former Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan's characterization of the CHOP zone as having a "block party atmosphere" and resembling a "summer of love." Mays, Sr.'s legal team argues that this portrayal downplayed the inherent dangers and contributed to the tragic outcome.
According to the lawsuit, a self-styled security force operating within the CHOP zone, referred to as "Chop Cops," were responsible for the shooting death of Mays, Jr. The suit also points to the alleged failure of city paramedics to provide necessary medical assistance, claiming they left the scene due to the volatile environment.
The lawsuit holds the City of Seattle, King County, and the State of Washington accountable for the teenager's death. It asserts that their actions and inactions directly violated Mays, Jr.'s due process rights under the Washington State Constitution.
The City of Seattle's legal representatives have stated they will review the complaint and respond accordingly. Mayor Bruce Harrell's office previously expressed condolences for the family's loss and assured a proper response to the legal proceedings.
