While the rest of the left-wing media had characterized Seattle’s autonomous area, or better known as “Capitol Hill Occupied Protest” (CHOP) as a relatively peaceful community of protesters, business owners and residents claim a different story.

With no police in sight, the city became what journalist Andy Ngo of Quillette describes as “pure anarchy.” Business owners also agreed. In fact, Matthew Plosza, a resident and a local business owner, described the situation as “We are just sitting ducks all day.” In a report from a Seattle-based media outlet, KIRO 7, Plosza expressed growing concern over public safety, “Now every criminal in the city knows they can come into this area, and they can do anything they want, as long as it isn’t life-threatening.” He continued that “the police won’t come in to do anything about it.”

Plosza expressed his growing anger and frustration over the lack of lawlessness. He claimed that he had previously witnessed a burglar break in his courtyard, and as a response, the local resident immediately called 911, but to no avail. Unfortunately, the dispatcher told him that there was “nothing we can do” unless someone’s life is in danger.

Another business owner, Russell Kimble, shared Plosza’s sentiment, saying that police officers would not respond to a break-in or even a confrontation at the business.

CHOP had become known as a ‘cop-free zone’ after protesters burned down the city’s East Precinct police station, and took hold of the area surrounding Capitol Hill. As tensions rose, the residents had become even more concerned, and rightfully so. In fact, the 911 calls in the surrounding area have since tripled after law enforcement officers were forced to vacate the precinct.

In a recent statement, the Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best lambasted Seattle Mayor and Democrat Jenny Durkan for forcing law enforcement officers to vacate the precinct. Best claimed that abandoning the police department was not her decision and that the only way for police officers to get through CHOP is if “something that’s a life-safety situation” happens. She claimed that unless someone was injured or shots were fired, they could not enter the area. “If you’re asking about the current situation, it’s not one that I like,” Best added.

On Monday, Ngo shed new light on the real situation inside CHOP. In an interview with Fox News, the journalist described a real “Jekyll and Hyde” situation. Ngo claimed that while CHOP might appear to be calm and peaceful in the morning, it drastically changes at night. He narrated an incident in which one protester reached into the microphone and a loudspeaker, and was able to coach down a “mob” of more than 100 people to “chase down” a business establishment. He added, “they just all descended on it. It was pure anarchy.” Ngo continued that people went on to push the fence, and all broke in. He noted that “It could have been extremely violent.” Fortunately, the journalist claimed that it was not as bad as it could have been.