Five years have passed since a protest group occupied Seattle’s police-free CHOP (Capitol Hill Occupied Protest) zone following George Floyd’s death, sending the area into a state of lawlessness and disarray. Now, Fox Nation has released a special focusing on this period, which it calls ‘Summer of Chaos.’ The documentary is hosted by Seattle-based correspondent Dan Springer, who previewed the content on ‘Fox & Friends.’
Springer recounted the events, stating that the ‘summer of love’ was instead marked by nightly protests around Seattle’s East Precinct, resulting in clashes and chaos. The city’s mayor at the time, Jenny Durkin, had originally referred to the period as such, though this was a misnomer. The protesters, upset over perceived police brutality and racial injustice following Floyd’s death, took control of the area, leading to significant disruptions for residents and businesses.
Despite initial assurances that the CHAZ wasn’t a secession attempt, the establishment of the zone drew criticism from President Donald Trump, who condemned local officials for handing over the area to ‘anarchists.’ The lack of police presence led to violent incidents, including the deaths of two young men, shootings, arson, and alleged sexual assaults. Springer described the period as chaotic and highlighted the broader implications of the protest.
The special, available on Fox Nation’s platform, is divided into two episodes, each approximately 25 minutes long. It aims to provide a comprehensive look at the events, offering insights into the impact of the CHOP zone and its lasting effects on the community and political landscape.
Additionally, the documentary touches on related issues, including FBI probes into claims of targeted violence against religious groups and the broader implications of the protests on public safety and law enforcement practices. These elements underscore the complex consequences of the CHOP zone experiment, providing a detailed examination of the events and their impact on Seattle and beyond.