Melina Abdullah, co-founder of Black Lives Matter, recalled a terrifying experience when she and her three children feared for their lives as LAPD officers aggressively approached their home during a “swatting” incident in 2020. This photo, taken by Jason Armond in July, captures her reflection on the event. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)
May 26, 2024 Story by: Editor
Melina Abdullah, co-founder of Black Lives Matter, lost a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Police Department on Thursday. A jury determined that the police acted appropriately during their response to a call at her residence, according to the Los Angeles Times.
In 2020, Abdullah filed the lawsuit following a “swatting” incident, where fake police emergencies are called in, sometimes leading to violent outcomes. Abdullah alleged that the LAPD knew the swatting call was a hoax but still responded to intimidate her due to her anti-police activism.
The LAPD contended that their response was justified. They reported receiving a call claiming three hostages were being held in Abdullah’s home, with the caller threatening to kill the hostages unless paid $1 million.
During the police encounter, Abdullah livestreamed the event, asking officers, “Do you know who I am?” and urging her social media followers to contact two LA city council members, as reported by the Times.
Following the ruling, Abdullah expressed her dismay, calling the verdict “dispiriting and disappointing and not surprising,” attributing it to “an unjust system.” She plans to appeal.
Recently, Abdullah gained attention as Cornel West’s running mate in the 2024 presidential election, accepting his offer in early April. West, running as an independent, praised Abdullah for her dedication to empowering poor and working people of all colors, noting her long-standing commitment to the cause.
West also addressed Abdullah’s court loss on social media, stating, “I stand in deep solidarity with my dear sister, comrade and running mate, Dr. Melina Abdullah! I believe this verdict is a major miscarriage of justice! We shall continue to fight for Truth, Justice and Love!”
In February, Abdullah stirred controversy with a social media post suggesting that being a Taylor Swift fan feels “slightly racist.” When asked to elaborate, she clarified, “I said FEEL, not think. Kind of like that feeling I get when there are too many American flags.” She agreed with a commenter who said, “Literally everything is racist,” responding, “Indeed!”. Source: Los Angeles Times
