With the people of the United States already quietly murmuring to themselves about the potential for a coming civil war, the latest news out of Seattle, Washington is not going to sit well with many.
Rabble-rousers and protesters have taken control of approximately six blocks of Seattle’s “Capital Hill” district, driving out the police and other authorities, and declaring the area an “autonomous zone” – and no longer a part of the United States.
On Tuesday night, protesters from what is now known as the “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone” (CHAZ) were joined by other demonstrators as they briefly occupied Seattle’s City Hall. Speakers called for the resignation of Mayor Jenny Durkan and the defunding of the Seattle Police Department before leaving the building about 1 a.m., chanting “defund SPD” as they returned to the zone.
Located in the Capitol Hill district, the “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone” surrounds the Seattle Police Department’s East Precinct. Police opened the area to demonstrators on June 8 after closing the streets in response to protesters demonstrating against police violence after the death of George Floyd. The East Precinct remains staffed, but Assistant Chief Tom Mahaffey said in a statement they were taking measures for the safety of officers and the building.
Scene from inside the “CHAZ” were soon spreading like wildfire on social media.
When police retreated from Seattle’s Capitol Hill, some people expected chaos.
Instead the new autonomous zone has speeches, free food, and people helping one another.
Here’s a look inside the Capital Hill Autonomous Zone #CHAZ
— Joshua Potash (@JoshuaPotash) June 10, 2020
Making some things official. Iconic. #seattleprotests #CHAZ #SeattleAutonomousZone pic.twitter.com/VESjjunfFn
— the police won't abolish themselves (@ben_jaminjay) June 10, 2020
Designated smoking sections have popped up. “Please consider ur neighbors’ health.” #seattleprotest #CHAZ pic.twitter.com/qMIHNur6AV
— Chase Burns in the CHAZ (@chaseburnsy) June 10, 2020
Wow. @ava DuVernay's #13th is playing by and for demonstrators outside the East Precinct in the new Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone. "If you have other ideas for documentaries, or anything informative people can watch, come up and let people know." #seattleprotest #CHAZ https://t.co/GCgfCgObsC
— Chase Burns in the CHAZ (@chaseburnsy) June 10, 2020
THE CAPITAL HILL AUTONOMOUS ZONE #chaz pic.twitter.com/BdJFHCajvS
— N M N . (@NoMan_Music) June 10, 2020
And while the revolution may not be televised, it does have snacks:
The No Cop Co-op has been slinging free kabobs, candy, and water to all passersby at #CHAZ. Not taking any biz away from Rancho Bravo, where a crew of two are hard at work selling burritos to protesters. Overheard a group swapping tear gas stories while they waited. pic.twitter.com/V0GRnpueZd
— Rich Smith (@richsssmith) June 10, 2020
