Full Breakdown
Seattle Found Liable for Teen's Death During CHOP Protest
1/30/2026, 1:25:52 PM
Jury Verdict and Financial Implications
A King County jury has awarded over $30 million to the family of Antonio Mays Jr., a 16-year-old who was fatally shot during the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) in Seattle in June 2020. The jury found the city of Seattle negligent in its emergency response to the shooting, determining that this negligence directly contributed to Mays' death. The award includes approximately $4 million to Mays' estate and about $26 million to his father, Antonio Mays Sr.
Background of the Incident
Antonio Mays Jr. was shot on June 29, 2020, while he was in a stolen white Jeep near the CHOP zone, which had emerged during nationwide protests following the murder of George Floyd. Witnesses reported that armed individuals acting as "CHOP security" fired at the vehicle. Mays was accompanied by 14-year-old Robert West, who survived the shooting. Due to the city's refusal to send emergency responders into the protest zone, bystanders attempted to transport the injured boys to medical care themselves, leading to significant delays.
Legal Proceedings and Findings
The civil trial, which lasted a month, was the first public examination of the events surrounding Mays' death. The jury deliberated for 12 days, ultimately concluding that the city had failed to provide adequate emergency services. Testimony revealed that Mays' injuries might have been survivable had he received timely medical attention. The city’s defense argued that Mays was committing a felony at the time of the shooting, but this argument was dismissed by King County Superior Court Judge Sean O’Donnell, who ruled that the city could not use this as a defense.
Official Statements and Responses
In response to the verdict, a spokesperson for the Seattle City Attorney's Office expressed that Mays Jr.'s death was a tragedy and stated, “We will assess the city’s options going forward.” Attorney Evan M. Oshan, representing the Mays family, emphasized that the verdict signifies accountability for systemic failures that led to the teen's death. Mays Sr. expressed gratitude for the jury's decision but noted that it does not replace the loss of his son.
Criticism of City Actions
Critics have pointed to the city’s handling of the CHOP zone as a significant factor in the escalation of violence. The city had abandoned its East Precinct and fortified the area with barricades, which plaintiffs argued created a "state-created danger." The lack of police presence and emergency services during the protest period has been heavily scrutinized, with many asserting that these actions contributed to the unsafe environment that led to Mays' death.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While the jury found the city liable, there remains a lack of clarity regarding the identity of the shooter, as no arrests have been made in connection with Mays' death. Witnesses have provided conflicting accounts of the events, and the city’s legal team has maintained that Mays' injuries were too severe for him to have survived, regardless of the emergency response.
What's Next
The city is currently evaluating its legal options following the verdict. The case has highlighted broader issues regarding public safety and emergency response protocols in protest situations, raising questions about accountability and systemic failures in urban governance.
