Lorenzo Anderson

Lorenzo Anderson, 19, died after Seattle police abandoned the department’s East Precinct and surrounding area.

Anderson was shot killed by 19-year-old Marcel Long on June 20, 2020, in Seattle’s Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) zone. According to surveillance video and witnesses, the two exchanged words and Anderson was walking away when Long, who had been restrained momentarily by others, pulled a handgun and shot him several times.

After he was shot, a badly wounded Anderson fell to the sidewalk where citizens and volunteer medics manning a nearby first-aid station attempted to treat his wounds. Anderson was pronounced dead at the hospital. Another video, mentioned in court documents, shows that the Seattle police and fire department were aware that Anderson was shot and needed help, but an emergency officer replied that they did not have permission to help and that they were waiting for police support.

In April 2021 Anderson’s mother sued city of Seattle for her son’s wrongful death. The lawsuit alleges that city officials created a dangerous environment and failed to help Anderson after he was shot. In July 2021 Long was arrested and pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the case.