Thursday, January 9, 2025

The Left’s Accountability for CHAZ and CHOP: An Indictment Against Insurrection

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Former Pagan, Christian Conservative LDS Priest 

The summer of 2020 saw a dangerous precedent set in the heart of Seattle, Washington, when radical leftist elements declared an autonomous zone in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, calling it CHAZ (Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone) and later CHOP (Capitol Hill Occupied Protest). This event, disguised as a protest, was a flagrant insurrection against democracy, the U.S. Constitution, and the very foundation of the United States government.

For weeks, CHAZ/CHOP operated as a lawless zone, complete with armed patrols, extortion of local businesses, and the abject refusal to recognize U.S. sovereignty. People were assaulted, property was vandalized, and lives were lost. It is time to hold accountable those on the left who perpetuated, endorsed, and facilitated this rebellion.

The Leaders of the Insurrection

Local Government Enablers

Seattle’s leadership, including Mayor Jenny Durkan, must face scrutiny. Her portrayal of the CHAZ as a “summer of love” was not just negligent—it emboldened the anarchists who took over city blocks. Durkan’s refusal to enforce the law, combined with her blatant abandonment of the residents and businesses, makes her complicit in the chaos.

City council members like Kshama Sawant openly supported the insurrection. Sawant, a self-described socialist, encouraged the occupation and even used her platform to spread rhetoric against law enforcement. Such actions demand prosecution for aiding and abetting sedition.

The Role of Governors and Attorneys General

Washington Governor Jay Inslee played the role of an absent leader. Claiming ignorance of CHAZ’s existence at its inception, his inaction emboldened the insurgents. State attorneys general who refused to prosecute those arrested during CHAZ/CHOP events are equally culpable.

The Marxist Activists and Organizers

The organizers behind CHAZ/CHOP include groups such as Antifa and Black Lives Matter (BLM) activists. These groups, often protected by leftist politicians, propagated the violent overthrow of law and order. Key figures who promoted the occupation and coordinated its activities must be investigated for their role in fomenting insurrection.

Accountability for Media and Corporations

The corporate media bears significant responsibility. Outlets like CNN and MSNBC downplayed the violence, framing CHAZ/CHOP as peaceful protests. Such narratives provided cover for the insurgents and misled the public. Likewise, corporations and celebrities who funded bail funds and offered vocal support should face civil liabilities for their role in enabling the chaos.

Restoring Justice and Rule of Law

This was not a peaceful protest but a violent, Marxist-led insurrection aimed at undermining America’s democratic foundations. The Department of Justice must launch investigations into all levels of complicity, from city halls to activist networks. Grand juries should indict those responsible for domestic terrorism and rebellion against the United States.

Conclusion

CHAZ/CHOP was a dark chapter in American history—a rebellion against democracy disguised as social justice. It is imperative to hold accountable those who orchestrated and supported this insurrection. If justice is not served, we risk emboldening radicals to repeat or escalate such lawlessness in the future.


Citations

  1. "CHAZ or CHOP? Seattle Protesters Set Up ‘Autonomous Zone,’" New York Times, June 11, 2020.
    https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/11/us/seattle-autonomous-zone.html

  2. “Seattle Mayor Calls CHAZ a 'Summer of Love,'” Fox News, June 12, 2020.
    https://www.foxnews.com/politics/seattle-mayor-durkan-chaz-summer-of-love

  3. “Who is Kshama Sawant? Socialist Councilmember Backing CHOP,” Seattle Times, June 20, 2020.
    https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/kshama-sawant-and-her-role-in-chop/

  4. "Antifa and CHAZ: What We Know About Radical Groups," Heritage Foundation, July 10, 2020.
    https://www.heritage.org/insider/antifa-chaz-report

  5. “The Consequences of CHAZ/CHOP’s Lawlessness,” National Review, July 15, 2020.
    https://www.nationalreview.com/the-consequences-of-chaz-lawlessness/

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