Antonio Mays Sr. was photographed holding a picture of himself and his son, Antonio Mays Jr., at the King County Courthouse in Seattle on December 10, 2025. The image captured by Ellen M. Banner for The Seattle Times depicts a poignant moment during the ongoing struggle for justice following a tragic event.
The atmosphere on the night of June 29, 2020, was marked by fear among the racial justice demonstrators at Cal Anderson Park in Seattle. A stolen white Jeep was driving erratically through the zone known as the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest (CHOP). This encampment had existed for 23 days, following Seattle police’s decision to abandon a precinct after mass protests in response to the murder of George Floyd.
The belief that occupants of the Jeep were attacking the protesters led to armed individuals within CHOP to fire upon the vehicle. Antonio Mays Jr., a 16-year-old participant in the protests, was shot and killed. Robert West, aged 14, was critically injured. A third teenager managed to escape with a grazing bullet wound, disappearing into the night.
Despite numerous video recordings from the chaotic night, the investigation into Antonio Jr.’s death remains unresolved, with no arrests or charges filed. A comprehensive investigation by The Seattle Times, KUOW, and NPR reveals detailed insights but has not led to closure.
On June 23, 2020, Antonio Mays Jr. left Southern California for Seattle to join racial justice protests. He expressed his motivations in a note to his father, emphasizing his desire for a world where racial discrimination would not harm his sister or anyone else. After arriving in Seattle, Antonio joined protest leaders at CHOP and spoke out about police training and conduct.
Events took a tragic turn when the stolen white Jeep approached CHOP, resulting in gunfire from CHOP-affiliated individuals against Antonio and the others in the vehicle. Contrary to the prevalent narrative, forensic analysis found no evidence of gunfire from the Jeep.
Footage from security cameras shows the chaotic scene as the Jeep attempted to navigate away from CHOP, resulting in more gunfire and its eventual crash into a barricade. Despite frantic efforts to treat Antonio and Robert, Antonio succumbed to his injuries.
The aftermath of the shooting was marked by confusion and contradictory information, delaying crucial medical assistance. The crime scene itself was compromised as individuals rifled through the evidence in the Jeep amidst sirens and mounting tensions.
Despite Seattle Police Department’s documentation noting the disturbance of the crime scene, the case remains unsolved. Surveillance footage from police cameras has not been released, and witnesses reluctant to divulge information have hindered the investigation.
Efforts to reach resolution call for individuals within CHOP to come forward with information about the night’s events. Former Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes emphasized the necessity for witnesses to aid in solving the case before being pressured to resign, illustrating ongoing challenges in leadership and accountability.
This story accompanies a podcast series by NPR’s Embedded titled “We Keep Us Safe,” detailing the episode unfolding during Seattle’s protest summer.