New NPR Series: "We Keep Us Safe" from the Embedded podcast

Summary

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Podcast Summary

Episode Overview

Title: New NPR Series: "We Keep Us Safe" from the Embedded podcast
Date: July 18, 2026
Host: Miles Parks
Source: The NPR Politics Podcast

This episode introduces listeners to a new investigative series from NPR’s Embedded podcast: "We Keep Us Safe." The series explores the unresolved 2020 fatal shooting of a Black teenager, Antonio Mays Jr., during the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) in Seattle—a protest zone meant to reimagine public safety during the Black Lives Matter demonstrations. The series focuses on piecing together what transpired that night, highlighting the search for answers, untold witness accounts, and previously undisclosed evidence.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

The CHOP Experiment (00:24–01:13)

• Background:

  • In 2020, following a standoff with anti-police brutality protesters, Seattle police abandoned their precinct.
  • Protesters occupied approximately eight city blocks, creating CHOP (Capitol Hill Organized Protest).
  • The area was described as both "utopia" and a "community experiment," with amenities like free food, mutual aid stations, music, and speeches.

• Notable Quotes:

  • "They called it CHOP: the Capitol Hill Organized Protest. A place with no police. It was their attempt to build a better world. For a moment there, it was utopia." — Will James (01:00)
  • "I want my world to change. I want my world to change. It evolved into this community.” — Protester (00:52)

Tensions and Security Concerns (01:13–01:28)

• Protesters feared the area would be attacked by right-wing activists, specifically mentioning the Proud Boys.

• Some formed self-appointed security teams, patrolling with tactical gear and firearms.

• Notable Quotes:

  • "Taking my group down around city hall to monitor the group of the proud boys." — Protester (01:18)
  • "I'm not very familiar with firearms. AR15. That's an AR15. AR15." — Protester (01:28)

The Night of the Shooting (01:28–01:53)

• A Jeep drove into the CHOP camp at night, sparking fear among protesters that an attack was underway.

• Protesters opened fire on the vehicle.

• 16-year-old Antonio Mays Jr., a passenger, was killed.

• Memorable Moments:

  • "Shots are fired. Shots are fired, y'all. Shots are fired." — Protester during the shooting (01:35)
  • "After the shooting ended, one of the Jeep's passengers was dead. 16 year old Antonio Mays Jr. That night, protesters saw him as a threat. But his dad, who taught him what it means to be black in America, says his son was there for the cause." — Will James (01:46)

Family Tragedy and Reflection (01:53–02:13)

• Antonio’s father reflects on his regrets and pain, highlighting the poignant cost of racial violence and activism.
• Notable Quote:
  • "To be honest, if it meant that I had my son back, I wouldn't teach my son black history, because I want to have him back right now. I said, man, to hell with black history." — Antonio Mays Jr.’s father (02:03)

The Unsolved Case & Investigation (02:13–03:08)

• Six years after the incident, no one has been held accountable, and many questions remain.

• The new investigative series follows journalists Will James and Sydney Brownstone as they:

  • Investigate unconfirmed rumors about Antonio’s death.
  • Track down new witnesses who were chased or present that night.
  • Reveal previously unseen evidence, such as a visible long gun from the front seat of a vehicle involved.

• Notable Quotes & Moments:

  • "Six years later, the case remains unsolved. And no one has been able to explain how this place, built to protect black life, ended up killing a black teenager." — Will James (02:16)
  • "For more than a year, we've been investigating what happened that night. Sifting through rumors… digging up new witnesses… and uncovering never before seen evidence." — Will James and Sydney Brownstone (02:28–02:51)
  • "See this right here?... That's a long gun out of the front seat." — Will James (02:52)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Highlights | |-----------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:24 | Introduction to the Seattle CHOP protest zone | | 01:00 | Describing CHOP as a utopian community experiment | | 01:13 | Security concerns, fears of right-wing threats, and protesters forming armed patrols | | 01:28 | The night of the shooting; confusion and chaos | | 01:46 | Antonio Mays Jr. is killed; his father’s reflections | | 02:13 | The case is still unsolved after six years | | 02:28 | Reporters discuss their investigative efforts and uncovering new evidence | | 02:52 | Moment of discovering never-before-seen evidence (a long gun in a car) |

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Notable Quotes

• Will James (01:00): "They called it CHOP: the Capitol Hill Organized Protest. A place with no police. It was their attempt to build a better world. For a moment there, it was utopia."
• Protester (00:52): "I want my world to change. I want my world to change. It evolved into this community."
• Protester (01:18): "Taking my group down around city hall to monitor the group of the proud boys."
• Antonio Mays Jr.’s father (02:03): "To be honest, if it meant that I had my son back, I wouldn't teach my son black history, because I want to have him back right now."
• Will James (02:16): "Six years later, the case remains unsolved. And no one has been able to explain how this place, built to protect black life, ended up killing a black teenager."
• Will James (02:52): "See this right here?... That's a long gun out of the front seat."

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Episode Tone and Style

The episode is reflective, investigative, and somber, seeking justice and understanding in a high-profile but unresolved tragedy. It blends firsthand accounts, investigative journalism, and emotional testimony, creating a narrative that is as much about community and hope as it is about loss and unanswered questions.

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Where to Listen

To hear the full series, We Keep Us Safe, subscribe to NPR’s Embedded podcast or visit npr.org/embedded.

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Transcript

[A]

Hey, NPR Politics podcast listeners. It's Miles here to let you know about a new investigative series from NPR's embedded podcast. It digs into the unsolved killing of a black teenager at a Black Lives Matter protest. Who's responsible for the shooting and how did it happen? In their search for answers, the reporters track down key eyewitnesses and surface crucial evidence that's never been made public. Here's the trailer.

[B]

Back in 2020, a remarkable experiment took place. After an intense standoff with anti police brutality protesters police abandoned their own precinct.

[C]

Protesters stayed and started occupying about eight city blocks in the middle of Seattle.

[A]

There's several hundred people being completely peaceful. It's like a block party.

[C]

They set up tents, there was free food, a mutual aid station, a stage for speeches and music.

[D]

I want my world to change. I want my world to change. It evolved into this community.

[C]

They called it chop the Capitol Hill organized protest. A place with no police. It was their attempt to build a better world. For a moment there, it was utopia. But protesters feared an attack from right wing activists.

[A]

Taking my group down around city hall to monitor the group of the proud boys.

[B]

Some protesters appointed themselves CHOP security, began walking around in tactical gear carrying guns.

[A]

I'm not very familiar with firearms. AR15. That's an AR15. AR15.

[B]

And then one night, a Jeep drove into the camp.

[D]

Shots are fired. Shots are fired, y'. All. Shots are fired.

[B]

Protesters thought they were under attack and shot at the Jeep.

[D]

Move out the way.

[B]

Oh, Jesus. Oh, Jesus.

[C]

After the shooting ended, one of the Jeep's passengers was dead. 16 year old Antonio Mays Jr. That night, protesters saw him as a threat. But his dad, who taught him what it means to be black in America, says his son was there for the cause.

[D]

To be honest, if it meant that I had my son back, I wouldn't teach my son black history because I want to have him back right now. I said, man, they had with black history.

[B]

Six years later, the case remains unsolved.

[C]

And no one has been able to explain how this place, built to protect black life, ended up killing a black teenager. I'm Will James.

[B]

And I'm Sydney. Brownstone. For more than a year, we've been investigating what happened that night. Sifting through rumors he put in work for the streets.

[D]

I guess that's what they were saying. That's why he got killed.

[C]

Digging up new witnesses. Is someone chasing you?

[D]

Oh, yeah.

[C]

In a car chasing you?

[D]

Yes. Like multiple cars.

[C]

And uncovering never before seen evidence.

[A]

See this right here?

[C]

That's a long gun out of the front seat.

[A]

Holy.

[B]

Listen to We Keep Us Safe, a new true crime series from NPR's Embedded podcast, the Seattle Times and KUOW find

[A]

Embedded wherever you get your podcasts [e-mail] embedded.