Seattle, WA – Journalist Jonathan Choe, a Senior Fellow at the Discovery Institute, sparked renewed discussion on July 22, 2025, with a concise yet potent tweet stating, > "Bad hombres." The brief social media post, attributed to Choe, comes amidst his ongoing critical reporting on Seattle's persistent challenges with homelessness, drug encampments, and public safety.
Choe, known for his independent and often provocative reporting style, has consistently focused on what he describes as the deteriorating conditions in Seattle's urban core. His work, particularly through the Discovery Institute's "Fix Homelessness" initiative, frequently highlights issues such as open drug use, crime, and the perceived failures of city policies in addressing these problems.
The phrase "Bad hombres" gained prominence during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, used to describe criminals, often with an implied reference to undocumented individuals. Choe's deployment of the term in 2025 is consistent with his history of using strong language to characterize elements he views as detrimental to urban order and public welfare. His recent reporting, including a June 24, 2025, tweet detailing an "out of control drug encampment" in Ballard, suggests the tweet likely refers to individuals associated with such environments or broader criminal activity impacting the city.
Choe's journalistic career has been marked by controversy, including his departure from KOMO-TV in 2022 following his coverage of a Proud Boys rally. He has since continued to report independently, often drawing both support from those who appreciate his direct approach and criticism from those who find his methods and language inflammatory. His latest tweet underscores his continued engagement in Seattle's contentious social debates, maintaining his role as a vocal critic of current urban policies and their outcomes.