Capitol Hill businesses file lawsuit against city for handling of 'CHOP'

SEATTLE (KOMO) — More than a dozen businesses in Capitol Hill filed a class action lawsuit Wednesday evening against the City of Seattle for how officials handled the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest, known as "CHOP."

The businesses based in Capitol Hill said they support free-speech rights and the efforts of the "Black Lives Matter" movement, but they filed the 56-page class action because of the constitutional rights of employees and residents in the Capitol Hill area.

“The lawsuit isn't seeking to interfere with the message that is trying to be sent by protesters,” said Angelo Calfo, who is representing the plaintiffs. “Our clients want public order. They want public safety. They want access to their streets and to the properties."

The lawsuit is not presenting a counter-message to the protesters fighting for police reform in the wake of George Floyd's death, the businesses said in the lawsuit.

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