[79] The early territory reportedly encompassed five and a half city blocks, including Cal Anderson Park, which was already active with demonstrators. [168] Most of the people interviewed by Vox had participated in the protests, but most did not feel safe walking in the area at night, especially in late June. [173] The plaintiffs seek compensation for lost business, property damage and deprivation of their property rights, plus restoration of full public access. [188], Protesters in other cities sought to replicate the autonomous zone in their own communities. [164][165] Governor Jay Inslee, on the same day, said the zone was "unpermitted" but "largely peaceful". [50] The size of CHOP was reduced over time, with The Seattle Times reporting that the area had "shrunk considerably" by June 24. "[157], At the same press conference, Police Chief Best spoke of "groups of individuals engaging in shootings, a rape, assault, burglary, arson and property destruction." The zone was formed following the Seattle Police Department's sudden abandonment of the East Precinct after ten days of barricades, tear gas, pepper spray, and flashbang grenades used against largely peaceful protesters. [103][104] On June 19, special events ranging from a "grief ritual" to a dance party were held in observation of Juneteenth. [74][21], At the request of citizens, on June 6, a group of public representatives (including four City Council-members, a King County Council-member, state Senator Joe Nguyen, and state Representative Nicole Macri) joined demonstrators on the front lines, when officers again used flash bang grenades and pepper spray to control the crowd. [211], Public hearings on what to do with the CHOP public art and community garden began in August and were scheduled to continue in the following months. [160], While searching for evidence, SPD discovered that the crime scene had been disturbed. [97][96] Activists expanded the gardens, which were "cultivated by and for BIPOC [Black, Indigenous, and People Of Color]," and included signage heralding famous black agriculturalists alongside commemorations of victims of police violence. [186] "Fox's coverage contributed to the appearance of armed unrest", stated The Washington Post. The protesters then took over a small swath of about six blocks in downtown Seattle, renaming it the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (there’s an … "[3] More than 100 police officers, with help from the FBI, moved into the area and tweeted a warning that anyone remaining or returning would be subject to arrest. [138][139] He had not been prosecuted for violent offenses, despite his own confession and witnesses confirming assault, lending to accusations that law enforcement is enabling his behavior. [110][66] On June 15, armed members of the Proud Boys appeared in the zone at a Capitol Hill rally. CAPITOL HILL AUTONOMOUS ZONE. Protesters establish the "Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone" after days of protests against police brutality. [189][190] On June 12, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee condemned attempts to create an autonomous area in Nashville,[191] warning protesters in the state that "Autonomous zones, and violence will not be tolerated. [8] Days after the event, it remained unclear who had made the decision to retreat from the East Precinct, as Chief Best did not claim responsibility. "[197], Politico reported that CHAZ "was a recurring theme throughout” debate by the U.S. House Judiciary Committee of the Democrat-sponsored police reform bill, on June 17. If you don’t do it, I will. [184] National Review contrasted the mainstream media coverage of the zone, which they deemed as sympathetic, to the negative coverage of the 2016 Malheur National Wildlife Refuge occupation. [8] Other signs declared "You are now leaving the USA. "[138] Toese is a resident of Washington state[135] and the subject of several reports by Portland's Willamette Week. "[61], On June 16, a deal was struck between CHOP representatives and the city to "rezone" the occupied area to allow better street access for businesses and local services. [81] The SDOT provided portable toilets. SPD was reportedly investigating, but the victim refused to provide information about the attack or describe a suspect. May 10,000 anti-racist autonomous zones emerge! CHAZ.zone / CHOPseattle.com is a hub for information and resources about the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ), a.k.a. [23], Police boarded up and vacated the East Precinct in the afternoon of June 8, which Chief Best described as an effort to "de-escalate the situation and rebuild trust". We do not request reform, we demand abolition.… This means 100% of funding, including existing pensions for Seattle Police.… In the transitionary period between now and the dismantlement of the Seattle Police Department, we demand that the use of armed force be banned entirely.... We demand the abolition of imprisonment…[119], Other demands by the Collective included:[119][120][121], On June 10, approximately 1,000 protesters marched inside the Seattle City Hall demanding the resignation of Mayor Durkan. [13] KIRO-TV reported that Young was shot by different people a block away from where Anderson was mortally wounded. Marcus Henderson works in the community garden on June 11, 2020, at the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ) in Seattle. A "Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone" sign hangs on the exterior of the Seattle Police Departments East Precinct on June 9, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. [34] SPD Chief Carmen Best expressed that the department was looking to reduce their footprint,[35] but later clarified that officials aimed to return officers to the precinct, as it was paramount they were able to respond to calls in a timely fashion. [155] "It's time for people to go home," she said, "to restore order and eliminate the violence on Capitol Hill. [204], On July 25, several thousand protesters gathered in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle for demonstrations in solidarity with Portland, Oregon. "[199] White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said, "I am pleased to inform everyone that Seattle has been liberated ... Anarchy is anti-American, law and order is essential, peace in our streets will be secured. "[85] The borders of the zone were not clearly defined, and were known to shift daily. [2] The zone was cleared of occupants by police on July 1, 2020. It's not a military junta. The Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone née "Free Capitol" is a 6 block section around the East Precinct in Seattle, WA. Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.) offered an amendment to cut off federal police grants to any municipality that allows an autonomous zone. [11][24][135] Toese has long been known in the Pacific Northwest for engaging in fights, first as a leading member of Patriot Prayer[136] and after early 2019, as an openly chauvinist member of the Proud Boys. YOU ARE NOW LEAVING THE USA. But Prosecutors Didn't Take It to Court", "Patriot Prayer's Most Prolific Fighter Arrested By Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, Released Without Posting Bail", "Seattle Police Department Blotter on CHOP Clearance Order", "One dead, one in critical condition in early morning shooting at Capitol Hill protest zone known as CHOP", "Teen who died in CHOP shooting wanted 'to be loved,' those who knew him recall", "After early morning shooting in CHOP, occupied area returns to its new normal", "Man critically injured in CHOP shooting says he was the victim of a racial attack", "Seattle police claimed protesters blocked way to dying man. [210], On August 7, The New York Times reported that weeks after the protests, several blocks remained boarded up, and that many business owners were afraid to speak out about what happened to them. [142][75] The victim suffered a gunshot wound in his upper right arm but was expected to recover fully within a year. after East Precinct exit", "Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and police Chief Carmen Best: A pairing under stress, put to the test", "Seattle police clear out protester-occupied zone", "In Seattle, a 'project' toward a cop-free world", "City and CHOP Residents Agree on New Footprint", "City of Seattle changes barriers in 'CHOP' protest zone", "City of Seattle Engages with Capitol Hill Organized Protest to make Safety Changes", "Observations from inside Seattle's CHOP", "Capitol Hill protest zone shifts out of Cal Anderson Park with remaining core of campers surrounding East Precinct", "Seattle removes some barriers at CHOP; protesters erect makeshift replacement barricade", "Mayor Orders Cops to Sweep CHOP, Protesters Vow to Keep Marching", "Seattle's CHAZ: Inside the occupied vegan paradise – and Trump's 'ugly anarchist' hell", "Seattle Protesters Establish 'Autonomous Zone' Outside Evacuated Police Precinct — Is the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone a brave experiment in self-government or just flash-in-the-pan activism? RS. [180] Inslee condemned Trump's involvement in the situation, telling him to "stay out of Washington state's business". [133] That same day, NPR reported, "Nobody inside the protest zone thinks a police return would end peacefully. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), whose district includes CHAZ, blamed Fox News and "right-wing media pundits" for spreading misinformation. [98], The intersection of 12th and Pine was converted into a square for teach-ins, where a microphone was used for organizing, and to encourage those with destructive intentions to leave the area. "[33] On June 22 the Star Tribune reported that at night the atmosphere would become charged, as demonstrators marched and armed volunteer guards kept watch. Facebook is showing information to help you better understand the purpose of a Page. Here's what it's like inside", "Seattle-area protests: Live updates on Saturday, June 13", "The Far Right Is Stirring Up Violence at Seattle's Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone", "Seattle's newly police-free neighborhood, explained", "How CHAZ became CHOP: Seattle's police-free zone explained", "Seattle Police clearing CHOP area after Durkan issues executive order", "A Seattle Activist's Fight to Keep the Focus on Police Abuse", "Driver claiming self-defense in Capitol Hill protest shooting has ties to police", "What's Really Going On at Seattle's So-Called Autonomous Zone? DU Home » Latest Threads » Forums & Groups » Places » U.S. » Washington (Group) » CHAZ website (capitol hil... Thu Jun 11, 2020, 03:39 PM uppityperson (114,257 posts) In 1965, during the Civil Rights Movement, after an unarmed black man was shot by an SPD officer, community leaders began following the police to observe & record their interactions with the black community - named freedom patrols. 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