4 Questions About Seattle’s Capitol<br />Hill Autonomous Zone: Answered Recently, a group of peaceful protesters cornered<br />off several city blocks in Seattle, Washington, and<br />declared it the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ). Here are answers to <br />four common questions you <br />may have about the CHAZ. Where exactly is the<br />CHAZ located? The CHAZ runs along East Pine Street<br />from 10th to 13th Avenues East. On 12th Avenue<br />East, it extends down to East Pike Street and<br />occupies part of Cal Anderson Park. What led to protesters<br />occupying the area? In Seattle, police clashed with protestors<br />nightly outside of their East Precinct, using<br />unauthorized tear gas and heavy riot gear. After police abandoned the precinct, <br />demonstrators closed the area off to<br />vehicles, establishing the CHAZ. What is it like inside<br />the CHAZ? While some reports talk of violence and<br />illegal checkpoints, most describe the<br />occupied area as peaceful and safe. There are reportedly speakers, poets and<br />other performers sharing ideas and art daily, and<br />a community garden has even been established. Are businesses in the CHAZ<br />being threatened? Although Seattle police initially claimed some<br />businesses in the CHAZ were being extorted, they later<br />said that claim “has not happened affirmatively.” Instead, businesses are reportedly<br />supportive of the protesters, providing food,<br />water and restrooms for those in the CHAZ.
