Jonathan Choe

Journalist and Senior Fellow, Center on Wealth and Poverty

Jonathan Choe is a journalist and Senior Fellow with Discovery Institute's Center on Wealth and Poverty, covering homelessness issues for its Fix Homelessness initiative. Prior to joining Discovery, Choe spent several years as one of the lead reporters at KOMO-TV, consistently the top rated television station in Seattle. His in depth stories on crime and deep dive investigations into the homeless crisis led to measurable results in the community, including changes in public policy.

Choe has more than two decades of experience in television news behind the scenes and in front of the camera for ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and Tribune. He has also been been nominated and honored with multiple industry awards including an Emmy. Choe spent several years teaching classes on emerging media and entreprenuership to under privileged youth in inner city Chicago.

As an independent journalist, Choe also contributes regularly to the Mill Creek View and Lynnwood Times and has reported on exclusive stories in the past year for Daily Wire and The Postmillennial.

Choe is a New England native and Boston University journalism school graduate.

Archives

Seattle Times Finally Reports on Movement of Drug Addiction from Downtown to Chinatown

Jonathan Choe
December 9, 2024
Seattle Times Finally Picks Up Story For months now I’ve been reporting on the movement of drug addicts from downtown Seattle to Chinatown-ID. The Seattle Times is finally jumping on this story. The squeeze is now on Mayor Bruce Harrell to do something about it. The city has tried to clear Third and Pine of drug use and homelessness for years. For the last few months, it worked. But the problem didn't disappear, it moved.https://t.co/pDPkrfEbAw— The Seattle Times (@seattletimes) December 9, 2024 Councilmember Morales Quits Former Seattle Councilmember Tammy Morales left her district a mess. But she quit her post this month. So now sources say this Asian American community is getting ready to mobilize against Mayor Harrell if the crime and …

Emergency Services Respond to Mental Health Emergency at Encampment Next to Seattle High School

Jonathan Choe
December 9, 2024
Nothing Has Changed Monday afternoon, first responders raced to Seattle’s Chinatown-ID for another drug induced mental health freak out. Last week, I warned city leaders about this encampment across the street from Summit Sierra High. It’s littered with drug supplies, feces, and abandoned tents. Nothing has changed. HAPPENING NOW: Homeless drug addicts have ripped through a fence and are now setting up an encampment right across the street from Summit Sierra High School in Chinatown-ID. Last year, I first told you about all the open-air drug use and crime disrupting student life in the… https://t.co/LRKCBeNJe2 pic.twitter.com/I2YCCAf1h3— Jonathan Choe (@choeshow) December 1, …

Social Media Influencer Nick Shirley Chased While Touring Seattle’s Chinatown

Jonathan Choe
December 1, 2024
Chased Sunday evening, social media influencer Nick Shirley was chased by a broomstick wielding maniac in Seattle’s Chinatown-ID during a YouTube livestream. Then a fentanyl addict cracked my phone at the notorious 12th Ave & Jackson St drug den. We got more coverage on the way. This part of the city is dying. Here’s a preview. As holiday shoppers pack downtown Seattle's retail core, Little Saigon is dying. The only thing thriving here is the black market of stolen goods and the drug deals. Councilmember Tammy Morales(@CMTammyMorales) virtue signals from the council dias and says she stands for BIPOC… pic.twitter.com/60f257WBK4— Jonathan Choe (@choeshow) December 1, 2024 Open-Air Drug Use Mentally ill tweakers were also running wild …

Elected Officials Ignore Worsening Drug Scene in Seattle’s Little Saigon

Jonathan Choe
November 30, 2024
Little Saigon in Chinatown-ID is absolutely broken. It remains Seattle’s worst drug scene. Making matters worse, all the insanity of 3rd Ave & Pike St. has been pushed into this Asian American neighborhood. Seattle Fire crews are constantly responding to fentanyl OD’s and mental health disasters continue to play out in the streets. Mayor Bruce Harrell’s Downtown Activation Plan is not working here. Councilmember Tammy Morales remains MIA. Mom & pop businesses continue to flee. Social media influencer Nick Shirley is in the city this weekend to document it …

Drug Addicts Set Up Encampment Across from Seattle High School

Jonathan Choe
November 30, 2024
Happening Now Homeless drug addicts have ripped through a fence and are now setting up an encampment right across the street from Summit Sierra High School in Chinatown-ID. Last year, I first told you about all the open-air drug use and crime disrupting student life in the area. Sadly, nothing has changed. Councilmember Tammy Morales was MIA then. She remains MIA today. Her District-2 is a disaster. She voted against all the CID public safety amendments this year. It’s almost like she wants this neighborhood to fail. #EXCLUSIVE: Summit Sierra High School is caught in the middle of open air drug deals, homeless encampment infernos, and a black market that's thriving in #Chinatown-ID. This is just the latest crisis threatening the safety of students in …

Drug Use, Mental Illness, and Homelessness in Seattle’s Chinatown

Jonathan Choe
November 30, 2024
Saturday evening, Hing Hay Park looks like a human dumping ground. The crown jewel of Seattle’s Chinatown-ID has been hijacked by drug addicts, the mentally ill, and homeless. The dude tweaking earlier in the day is now causing a stir at night. Since Councilmember Tammy Morales has abdicated all responsibility in her district, it’s now on Mayor Bruce Harrell to restore this Asian American neighborhood before it’s completely …

Black Market Thrives in Seattle’s Little Saigon

Jonathan Choe
November 30, 2024
As holiday shoppers pack downtown Seattle’s retail core, Little Saigon is dying. The only thing thriving here is the black market of stolen goods and the drug deals. Councilmember Tammy Morales virtue signals from the council dais and says she stands for BIPOC communities. But apparently Asian Americans are the wrong minority and are not deserving of her help. Morales’ CID district is on life support but she is nowhere to be found. I think it’s time for Mayor Bruce Harrell to finally follow through and clean up this neighborhood for good. The rest of downtown is getting activated, but part of that equation apparently means dump all the drug addicts and homeless in one of the most vulnerable minority communities in the city. BTW, no sign of local legacy media …

Man In Homeless Housing Complex Seen Beating Dog

Jonathan Choe
November 11, 2024
Exclusive Disturbing video emerging showing a man inside a homeless housing complex in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood pummeling a dog. Witnesses say the incident happened this past weekend inside an apartment unit funded by the King County Regional Homelessness Authority near 10th Ave E & E John St. You can hear the neighbor desperately trying to get the man’s attention with a flashlight but the beatdown continues. Police Response This Capitol Hill neighbor says Seattle Police officers were called, but nothing was done to address this problematic situation. I’m reaching out to Seattle Police Department, King County Regional Homelessness Authority, and Dow Constantine for comment. If they respond, I will update here. King County Continues to …

Seattle Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth on the Scene to Rescue Beaten Dog

Jonathan Choe
November 11, 2024
Breaking After community outrage, Seattle Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth is on the scene right now trying to rescue a dog that was severely beaten inside a Capitol Hill homeless housing complex. Meanwhile, no one with King County Executive Dow Constantine’s office, the King County Regional Homelessness Authority, or Seattle Animal Control is responding to this emergency because it’s Veterans Day. EXCLUSIVE: Disturbing video emerging showing a man inside a homeless housing complex in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood pummeling a dog. Witnesses say the incident happened this past weekend inside an apartment unit funded by the King County Regional Homelessness… pic.twitter.com/wWzFjXLpb4— Jonathan Choe (@choeshow) November 11, …

Dog Beaten in Homeless Housing Complex Rescued

Jonathan Choe
November 11, 2024
Update Monday morning, Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth and Seattle cops took swift action and rescued this beautiful dog from an abusive situation inside a Capitol Hill apartment complex for homeless drug addicts. The resident who allegedly beat this dog is now in custody. EXCLUSIVE: Disturbing video emerging showing a man inside a homeless housing complex in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood pummeling a dog. Witnesses say the incident happened this past weekend inside an apartment unit funded by the King County Regional Homelessness… pic.twitter.com/wWzFjXLpb4— Jonathan Choe (@choeshow) November 11, 2024 Who Will Be Held Accountable? The dog appears to be in good health but is now being examined by a veterinarian. Despite this happy ending, there …

Ten People Injured in Stabbing Rampage in Seattle’s Chinatown International District

Jonathan Choe
November 9, 2024
Worsening Crime & Open-Air Drug Use Horrific stabbing rampage in Seattle’s Chinatown-ID leaves 10 people injured just in the past 48 hours. Cops have arrested one man near 10th Ave & Jackson St. Investigators believe the suspect is responsible for all the attacks. The motive appears to be random. CID neighbors have been sounding the alarm about worsening crime and open-air drug use just in the past few weeks. Most of the addicts and dealers cleared from 3rd Ave & Pike St have now set up shop in this hood. Councilmember Tammy Morales remains MIA and there is now even more pressure on Mayor Bruce Harrell to clean up this area for good. Bail Set A King County Judge set bail at $2M for Seattle Chinatown-ID stabbing suspect Roland Lee. He’s facing …

Seattle’s Chinatown International District Abandoned to Drug Use and Crime

Jonathan Choe
November 8, 2024
For the past few weeks, I’ve been watching parts of Seattle’s Chinatown-ID disintegrate before my eyes. Drug dealers, addicts, and criminals now own Hoa Mai Park on King St. That’s why this week’s stabbing rampage should not be a surprise to anyone. City leaders like socialist CM Tammy Morales have allowed this culture of lawlessness to flourish. Morales has totally abandoned her …

Seattle Councilmember Tanya Woo Calls for Action on Crisis in Chinatown

Jonathan Choe
November 8, 2024
Notice how 3rd Ave & Pike St in downtown Seattle is relatively clear of drug addicts and crime? Well, this proves once again change is possible if the city wants to get things done. Problem is, most of the problems have been pushed into Chinatown-ID. I recently caught up with Councilmember Tanya Woo who’s been sounding the alarm about this unfair game of Whack-A-Mole destroying her Asian American community. And with this week’s stabbing rampage in the CID, it proves once again she was …

Lawsuit Could Alter Seattle’s Affordable Housing Landscape

Jonathan Choe
October 30, 2024
Current Laws Make Affordable Housing Untenable Seattle is facing a massive lawsuit and the outcome could alter the city’s affordable housing landscape. GRE Downtowner says crippling rental regulation ordinances passed by the council between 2018-22 have made it difficult to evict problematic tenants. And more renters with serious criminal histories are now coming in and causing chaos because the current laws do not allow a rigorous vetting process. Caitlyn McKenney has a breakdown of the legal ramifications. ‼️An affordable housing provider is suing the City of Seattle, arguing that Seattle's policies have destroyed the financial viability of the apartment building in a manner "so pervasive and intrusive as to be tantamount to a physical invasion." …

Human Remains Found Stuffed in a Suitcase in Seattle Homeless Encampment

Jonathan Choe
October 28, 2024
Exclusive I’ve obtained video showing investigators making the gruesome discovery of human remains belonging to Shannan Marie Reeder last month. The 37-year-old’s body parts were found stuffed in a suitcase at homeless encampment in Seattle’s Dr. Jose Rizal Park. Some of the images have been blurred due to graphic content. UPDATE: King County prosecutors have charged Steven Thanh Nguyen with 2nd Degree murder after he allegedly killed Shannan Marie Reeder with an axe. Her body was found stuffed into a suitcase at a drug encampment near I-5 and I-90 in Seattle. 🧵👇 https://t.co/zscKJgZga8 pic.twitter.com/dBOMn0AWCG— Jonathan Choe (@choeshow) October 18, …

Homeless Man’s Drug Injury Leaves Bloody Scene on Seattle Street

Jonathan Choe
October 20, 2024
Drug-Fueled Human Suffering Late Sunday evening, another horrific scene unfolding in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. Witnesses say a homeless drug addict’s abscess burst around his calf area. It left a bloody mess near 1st Ave & Bell St. Fella is probably in his late 60’s and his lower extremity will likely have to be amputated. Drug paraphernalia could also be seen in his encampment. Meanwhile, first responders did an incredible job patching him up. But off the record, they all expressed frustration since they are constantly responding to the same drug-fueled human suffering on the streets. They blame woke city leaders and progressive politicians for allowing this to …

Have You Seen Him? Massachusetts Mom Searches for 26-Year-Old Son Danny Finnegan in Seattle

Jonathan Choe
October 18, 2024
Getting Close The mom of 26-year-old Danny Finnegan is in Seattle right now searching for her missing son. He was just spotted a few days ago in the University District. There is a $10K cash reward. Let’s bring Danny home. MISSING IN SEATTLE: The family of Daniel Finnegan is offering a $10K reward for his safe return. Finnegan's mom says he could be dealing with a Cannabis-induced psychotic disorder. If you are in the homeless outreach space or work with drug addicts, keep your eyes peeled. pic.twitter.com/LOgUuOm2Cq— Jonathan Choe (@choeshow) October 15, 2024 Spotted Outside University Village Surveillance video showing Danny pushing a shopping cart outside University Village shopping mall in Seattle. Look what he’s …

Assaulted While Filming at “Safe Consumption Site” in Vancouver, B.C.

Jonathan Choe
October 9, 2024
The Mayhem of Open-Air Drug Use Chasing the truth can be risky. A drug addict assaulted me while I was recording outside a so-called safe consumption site in Vancouver, B.C. Thankfully the cops swooped in and neutralized the threat. We Heart Seattle’s Andrea Suarez and I made it out unscathed. Afterwards, an officer admitted these facilities continue to attract crime, chaos, and death to this community. Other cities in North America have been put on notice. Join Our Team As you can tell, spotlighting these important stories require me to take enormous risks. If you would like to join our team and support me on the ground, please subscribe to my X account or donate at the link below so my work can continue at Discovery Institute. Donate The Horrific Drug Scene …