What's Happening?
A new investigative podcast series titled 'We Keep Us Safe,' produced by NPR's Embedded podcast, the Seattle Times, and KUOW, explores the unsolved killing of Antonio Mays Jr., a 16-year-old Black Lives Matter protester. Mays was shot dead in Seattle in 2020
during the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest (CHOP). The series uncovers new evidence and eyewitness accounts that challenge the initial narrative of the incident. A third teenager, identified as D.G., revealed that the boys were unarmed and were chased and shot at by another vehicle. Video analysis supports this account, showing no shots fired from the Jeep the teenagers were in.
Why It's Important?
The podcast sheds light on potential miscarriages of justice and the complexities surrounding the CHOP protest. It raises questions about the use of lethal force by protest security and the role of law enforcement in securing the crime scene. The investigation highlights the need for transparency and accountability in handling such cases, especially those involving racial tensions and protest movements. The findings could influence public perception and policy discussions on protest policing and community safety.
