Antonio Mays Sr. stands in Superior Court in Seattle, holding an image of himself and his son, Antonio Mays Jr., on December 10, 2025. In the early hours of June 29, 2020, racial justice protesters in Seattle’s Capitol Hill Occupied Protest (CHOP) zone were tracking a stolen white Jeep that stirred panic as it looped erratically around a playfield near Cal Anderson Park.
The Jeep, driven within close proximity to tents, caused fear due to previous confrontations including cars driving into protest crowds and other shootings. Armed protesters, organized for protection in the absence of police, responded swiftly. Initially marked by peaceful protests and community activities, the atmosphere shifted dramatically that night.
There’s shots, shots fired, I think,a livestreamer noted as gunfire ensued. Panic spread as armed individuals in CHOP fired back, believing the Jeep’s occupants were hostile. This narrative solidified despite Antonio Mays Jr., 16, losing his life and Robert West, 14, suffering critical injuries. Another teen was grazed by a bullet but vanished into the night.
Videos recorded by citizen journalists capture events of that night but, even six years later, Antonio Jr.’s death remains unsolved without arrests or named suspects. Police say their investigation is ongoing but details remain scarce. An investigation by The Seattle Times, KUOW, and NPR’s Embedded podcast reviewed these recordings, offering insights into how a Black teenager, participating in the civil rights movement, was killed amid chaos and suspicion.
A Path to Protest
Antonio Jr. left Southern California for Seattle in June 2020, drawn by national protests against racial injustice. Despite having no known contacts in Seattle, he felt compelled to join. Before leaving, he penned a note to his father, expressing his hope for his sister to live without racial pain.
Records show Antonio Jr. appearing at CHOP, advocating for police supervision in training to ensure adherence to protocols. Yet within days, on July 2, Antonio Jr. was found dead in a stolen Jeep, amidst accusations of posing a threat to the protesters.
Panic and Confusion
Video footage reveals a white Jeep leaving a park, encountering a silver Nissan Pathfinder that opens fire on it. Security within CHOP raced to prepare for retaliation. As the Jeep looped back and crashed, it was fired upon again. Confusion continued as people speculated why Antonio Jr. and others were targeted.
Despite claims of the Jeep occupants being threats, no weapons or ammunition were discovered on the teenagers or inside the Jeep. Official investigations into the death are hindered by the chaotic scene post-shooting. Livestreams indicate unauthorized access and tampering at the crime site before police could intervene.
Crime Scene Chaos
Shortly after the shooting, the area surrounding the Jeep was filled with people. Surveillance and eyewitness footage captured attempts to remove potential evidence, complicating the investigation. Emergency service confusion possibly delayed vital medical assistance, worsening Antonio Jr.’s injuries.
By the morning, police identified the crime scene as disturbed. With multiple recordings not publicly released, including police surveillance from nearby buildings, the investigation lacks crucial testimony. Despite numerous interviews, key details remain undisclosed by witnesses present during the incident.
Call for Justice
To progress, authorities need firsthand accounts from those at CHOP. Police emphasize the importance of witness testimonies to resolve Antonio Jr.’s case. With several leadership changes within the Seattle Police Department since CHOP, ongoing efforts face challenges as those involved remain silent or uncooperative.
This account complements NPR’s Embedded podcast series “We Keep Us Safe.” The series explores the circumstances and broader implications surrounding Antonio Mays Jr.’s tragic death.