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

Homeless Man Jumps from Seattle Bridge, Survives

Jonathan Choe
April 28, 2025
“He Said, ‘They’re Coming,’ and He Ran…and Jumped.” Witnesses say a homeless man staying at the Salvation Army shelter in Seattle jumped off a nearby bridge. Unclear what triggered him. This all happened at the corner of 5th Ave & Dearborn St near the border of SODO and Chinatown-ID. He survived. .@SeattlePD activity on S Dearborn St at 5th Ave S blocking all EB lanes. Use alternative routes. pic.twitter.com/Ni9lUlY8Is— SDOT Traffic (@SDOTtraffic) April 28, 2025 …

Federal Funding Cuts Coming to Housing First Orgs

Jonathan Choe
April 23, 2025
Federal Funding to Be Re-Allocated With even more federal funding cuts on the way, one of the biggest players in WA’s homeless industrial complex is crying poverty. That’s because the days of top executive salaries and zero accountability could be coming to an end. The Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) has received millions of taxpayer dollars for pushing the failed Housing First model along with “harm reduction” policies. But for more than a decade, this approach has led to record homelessness in the region, more crime, and countless drug overdose deaths behind closed doors. So Trump administration sources are telling me the hammer will finally be dropped on this madness. Expect federal funding to be re-allocated and pushed toward housing and programs that …

Knife-Wielding Teenagers Chasing Homeless Man in Viral Video Identified by Grandmother

Jonathan Choe
April 14, 2025
Breaking The foster grandmother of Tyshawn and Marcelles Orr says her boys are the ones seen in a disturbing video released this morning by @SEATTLESUBMISS. It shows Tyshawn (red hoody) chasing a homeless man with a knife. Marcelles (black hoody) is the one with a massive afro. What led up to all this is unclear. NEW: Seattle's Little Saigon neighborhood remains a magnet for violence. Look at this thug pull a knife and chase a homeless dude near 12th Ave and Jackson St. No cops in sight. Would you visit this part of the city? @MayorofSeattle pic.twitter.com/784CxKDTYu— Jonathan Choe (@choeshow) April 14, 2025 Not Our First Run-In with Marcelles Orr If the name Marcelles Orr sounds familiar, that’s because he’s the young man who chased me …

Governor Bob Ferguson Answers Questions About Homelessness Response

Jonathan Choe
April 1, 2025
New I finally had an opportunity to ask Governor Bob Ferguson about Washington’s homeless crisis and the possibility of more federal funding cuts impacting the state’s response. Ferguson didn’t say policies like “Housing First” would be shelved. But he did double down the need for more fiscal responsibility and emphasized the importance of shoring up a “rainy day” fund. …

Oakland Residents Demand Accountability and Change

Jonathan Choe
March 28, 2025
We are on the ground in Oakland, CA and some neighborhoods are an absolute disaster. A sense of lawlessness overwhelms the streets. But Seneca Scott is leading a movement that could help bring in a new mayor and turn around this failing city. Imagine dealing with the worst homeless crisis in the Bay area, crime spiraling out of control, and a public school system in shambles. This is a daily reality for Oakland, California. Certain neighborhoods are packed with visible poverty and overrun by a culture of lawlessness. Gun violence and robberies recently forced the beloved In-N-Out Burger to close its only restaurant in Oakland. The Defund the Police Movement fueled by far-left activists has led to a shortage of officers. And making matters worse, this city’s …

Oakland Residents Demand Accountability and Change

Jonathan Choe
March 28, 2025
We are on the ground in Oakland, CA and some neighborhoods are an absolute disaster. A sense of lawlessness overwhelms the streets. But Seneca Scott is leading a movement that could help bring in a new mayor and turn around this failing city. Transcript Imagine dealing with the worst homeless crisis in the Bay area, crime spiraling out of control, and a public school system in shambles. This is a daily reality for Oakland, California. Certain neighborhoods are packed with visible poverty and overrun by a culture of lawlessness. Gun violence and robberies recently forced the beloved In-N-Out Burger to close its only restaurant in Oakland. The Defund the Police Movement fueled by far-left activists has led to a shortage of officers. And making matters worse, this …

Lexus Driver Shoots BB Gun at Ballard Homeless Encampment

Jonathan Choe
March 23, 2025
Violence at Encampment Vigilante justice continues in Seattle after the city fails to remove a problematic homeless encampment in Ballard. Sunday afternoon, witnesses say a man driving a silver Lexus pointed a gun out his window and unloaded several shots at drug addicts camping on the Leary Triangle. But cops say it was actually a BB gun and the shooter got away. The entire area remains overrun by RV’s and tents. These are the same people who reject shelter and services. Mayor Bruce Harrell and councilmember Dan Strauss must stay on top of the sweeps. #BREAKING: Happening right now, D5 Seattle City Council candidate Tye Reed along with Stop the Sweeps Seattle are moving homeless people to the Leary Triangle in Ballard, completely undercutting Mayor Bruce …

Drug and Mental Health Crisis Out of Control Outside Seattle McDonald’s

Jonathan Choe
March 21, 2025
McStabby’s If you want to see Seattle’s failure to handle the drug and mental health crisis, just go to 3rd Ave & Pine St in downtown. Within five minutes, I saw dozens of people smoking fentanyl, a woman yelling at random people, and a dude trying to sell stolen skin care products. And yes, McDonald’s is indeed nicknamed “McStabby’s” due to the inordinate amount of crime at this corner. The fast food giant only allows walk-up service. The current plan is not working. …

Seattle’s Little Saigon Overwhelmed with Open-Air Drug Use

Jonathan Choe
March 21, 2025
Human Dumping Ground I stepped away from Seattle drug den coverage for just one week. I thought maybe things were getting better in hot spots like Little Saigon. I was wrong. It’s worse than ever and the city has zero lasting solutions. The current plan is not working. …

Seattle’s Closed DESC Navigation Center Becomes Abandoned Drug Den

Jonathan Choe
March 21, 2025
Hopes Dwindle The notorious DESC Navigation Center in Seattle’s Little Saigon is now closed. Neighbors hope this move will keep away crime and open-air drug use. But people are now camping on the lawn and setting fires outside this former homeless shelter. Will Mayor Bruce Harrell step up to help or will this abandoned building be seized by the addicts? NEW: Chinatown-ID is fighting back and demanding more support and security from Seattle leaders. Monday morning, community activists will be holding a press conference at 10am in front of DESC's Navigation Center. This controversial "low barrier" homeless shelter is being blamed… https://t.co/fXs3vow2ko pic.twitter.com/ZFoGK3kShn— Jonathan Choe (@choeshow) January 13, 2025 Encounter with DESC …

Police Respond to “Drug Deal Gone Bad” In Front of Homeless Non-Profit

Jonathan Choe
March 21, 2025
Breaking Friday afternoon, massive police response to what law enforcement sources call a “drug deal gone bad” in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. Witnesses say the man in dreadlocks stabbed a woman in the temple over a hit of crack at the corner of 3rd Ave and Blanchard St. Victim was transported to the hospital. Suspect was apprehended at the scene and put into an ambulance. Another witness said, “cops barbecued and bean bagged his a**.” This is the latest troubling incident to happen right in front of the problematic REACH homeless non-profit headquarters. This area is one of the worst crime hot spots in the city due to the clientele REACH attracts and enables. …

San Francisco: From Doom Loop to Boom Loop

Jonathan Choe
March 20, 2025
From “Doom Loop” to “Boom Loop,” San Francisco could be turning the corner on all the crime, chaos and death. A new mayor and new approach to the homeless drug crisis could be the game changer. Here’s part 1 of our series in the Bay Area. Parts of San Francisco have been described as being stuck in a perpetual doom loop. A never-ending pattern of crime, chaos, and death. But some of the most problematic neighborhoods in the city could be getting ready to break out of this vicious cycle. “Is the Tenderloin looking better?” I ask a local resident. “Oh yeah, it is,” he responds. That’s because new mayor Daniel Lurie is on a mission to reclaim what was once a thriving downtown core and restore law and order …

San Francisco: From Doom Loop to Boom Loop

Jonathan Choe
March 20, 2025
Is San Francisco making a comeback? A new mayor and a new approach to the homelessness and drug crises could be a game changer for the city that has long been mired in crime, chaos, and death. Jonathan Choe reports. Transcript Parts of San Francisco have been described as being stuck in a perpetual doom loop. A never-ending pattern of crime, chaos, and death. But some of the most problematic neighborhoods in the city could be getting ready to break out of this vicious cycle. “Is the Tenderloin looking better?” I ask a local resident. “Oh yeah, it is,” he responds. That’s because new mayor Daniel Lurie is on a mission to reclaim what was once a thriving downtown core and restore law and order on the streets. “If you are selling …

Kirkland Low Barrier Housing Pushed Through Despite Community Concerns

Jonathan Choe
March 12, 2025
New King County’s latest homeless hotel is set to open in Kirkland this summer. It’s “low barrier” and drug addicts will be allowed on site without any requirements to seek treatment. They call it “Health Through Housing.” During Tuesday evening’s community forum, concerned residents were not satisfied with the responses and non-answers to their questions. Despite major community concerns about crime and 911 calls spiking in the area, the woke city council capitulated and gave into Dow Constantine’s demands. It’s now pretty much a done deal. Controversial housing provider Plymouth Housing will run the joint. BREAKING: Analytics company INRIX is exiting Kirkland because the city's progressive policy makers continue to …

Slow Response to Drug Encampment Across from Middle School Frustrates Locals

Jonathan Choe
February 26, 2025
New A notorious Seattle drug camp could be getting shut down today. It’s right next to Lake Washington Girls Middle School and it’s turned into a chop shop full of stolen bikes and motorcycles. But it’s taken months for the city to respond and neighbors say this is unacceptable. For nearly two months complaints have been pouring into the city about open-air drug use, warming fires, and trash overwhelming several streets in Beacon Hill. Most of the chaos is coming from this encampment at the corner of 22nd Ave South and South Walker Street. A notorious hot spot for broken RVs, tents, and all kinds of illegal activity. When I point out a black Hyundai, one local tells me, “That’s a car I’ve seen dealing drugs to these …

Seattle Police Union President Accuses Mayor and State Representative of Collusion Against Cops

Jonathan Choe
February 21, 2025
“Their End Goal Is to Completely Nullify Police Unions” The president of Seattle’s police union is doubling down and accusing Mayor Bruce Harrell and Marxist State Rep. Shaun Scott of colluding on a bill that could dismantle collective bargaining rights for officers. @MayorofSeattle is weaponizing public safety in order to strip collective bargaining rights from labor unions. Mike Solan will cover the full story on our podcast @HTLwithMSolan. pic.twitter.com/lOpXK3Oea9— Seattle Police Officers Guild (@SPOG1952) February 19, 2025 …

Downtown Seattle Becomes a Massive Open-Air Drug Den by Night

Jonathan Choe
February 18, 2025
New As Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell wraps up his latest State of the City address, the drug crisis downtown remains a massive black eye with no end in sight. Want proof? Early Tuesday morning, I walked the area around 3rd Ave & Pike St. and it was zombie land. No cops, no outreach, just human suffering. While the drug dens are less visible during the day, the problem is just being moved around. So it all comes back at night. Everyone who lives and works downtown knows this. The current plan is a band-aid solution because the root causes are not being addressed. There’s gotta be interventions and better treatment options before we hand out any more free drug supplies. And what about demanding more metrics and clearer standards for success in order to hold our policy …

Vacant Seattle Home Catches Fire. Witnesses Blame Homeless

Jonathan Choe
February 12, 2025
Happening Now Massive fire inside a vacant house on Walker St in S. Seattle. Witnesses say it was likely started by the homeless. Neighbors have been complaining about more tents and RVs showing up in this area which is also near the Taco Time off Rainier Ave. Crews are responding to a report of a fire in a single-family residence at 2400 block of S Walker St. Please avoid the area.— Seattle Fire Dept. (@SeattleFire) February 12, 2025 …

Bellevue Squatter Sang Kim Kicked Out of Rental Property

Jonathan Choe
February 9, 2025
After two years of hell, Bellevue deadbeat tenants Sang and Youjin Kim have finally been kicked out of their rental property. After numerous legal rulings against them, the Kims were supposed to vacate by Saturday. But they went past the deadline and left a mess.

Homeless Building Treehouses to Evade Camping Ban, Causing Environmental Damage

Jonathan Choe
January 30, 2025
New For the past few years, all eyes have been on Seattle’s homeless drug crisis. But Kent’s street problems are being compounded by the “nomad class.” These are the people who have tapped out from society and are refusing shelter and services. They want to stay in nature and have taken over prime wetlands and greenbelts, building treehouses to evade enforcement in this South King County city. Beautiful streams are now clogged with trash and the environmental cost to clean this up is easily in the millions. I spent the past week investigating the situation which is spread out across the city. I will be launching the entire series soon. Here is a preview. …