Seattle City Sued Following $30.5 Million Verdict Over CHOP Shooting Incident

In a consequential legal action, Robert West, the only survivor of the tragic CHOP zone shooting in Seattle, has lodged a lawsuit against the City of Seattle in the King County Superior Court. This legal move comes on the heels of a substantial $30.5 million verdict awarded to the family of Antonio Mays Jr., who tragically lost his life in the same incident.

Robert, now 20 years old, was only 14 at the time of the shooting which occurred on June 29, 2020. His lawsuit outlines a shocking claim of negligence against the city, stating that it established the CHOP (Capitol Hill Organized Protest) zone while neglecting its own emergency protocols. Dubbed a “summer of love” by former Mayor Jenny Durkan, the area was touted as a peaceful gathering site, but underlying dangers were alarming.

As stated in the lawsuit, Robert West was shot multiple times by armed individuals posing as self-appointed security in the CHOP zone. Disturbingly, no ambulances responded to the scene, forcing good Samaritans to transport him to the hospital. The aftermath was devastating; Robert suffered severe injuries including the loss of his right eye and a traumatic brain injury that left him with a seizure disorder and permanent disability. Over five years later, none of his assailants have been arrested, and Robert has never been questioned by the Seattle Police Department.

Evan Oshan, Robert’s attorney, emphasizes that this lawsuit is a critical step in holding the city accountable for its actions. “The jury in the Mays case sent a strong message — abandonment has consequences,” said Oshan. “Robert lives every day with the repercussions of what the city failed to do. This lawsuit seeks justice for him and demands accountability.”

The chilling backdrop to the lawsuit highlights the city's previous acknowledgment of warning signs regarding public safety in the CHOP zone. An email from Mayor Durkan described an earlier shooting in the area as “foreseeable and avoidable”. This, combined with the city’s own admission of not assigning police officers for night patrols during the incident, raises serious concerns about the administration's commitment to community safety.

The lawsuit claims a total of 12 causes of action, detailing both emotional and physical trauma experienced by Robert due to the city’s inaction. As the sole survivor carrying the burden of trauma inflicted on him in what was described by the city as a peaceful assembly, Robert West's story resonates deeply with broader discussions about community safety and government accountability.

With media outlets rallying attention and inquiries about this case, both Robert West and his attorney remain available to discuss the emotional and legal complexities of this lawsuit. As this narrative unfolds, many are left wondering about the implications of governmental responsibility during citizen emergencies.

In bringing this suit to light, the hope is not only to seek justice for Robert but to initiate a critical dialogue about the safety and well-being of all citizens, particularly minors who may find themselves in similar perilous situations in the future.

For further details, the full complaint and exhibits are available in the media packet here.