Testimony in the trial of a lawsuit brought by Black Lives Matter L.A. co-founder Melina Abdullah against the city of Los Angeles began with a Los Angeles police sergeant admitting he ordered officers to approach her home in tactical gear, despite his uncertainty about the authenticity of a 911 call reporting a hostage situation. The incident was later determined to be a “swatting” prank, but Abdullah sued the city over the LAPD’s response, claiming she and her children feared for their lives. The activist’s attorneys argued that police targeted her because of her activism.
In August 2020, the LAPD received a hoax emergency call threatening to shoot three hostages unless a ransom was paid. The caller directed police to Abdullah’s address, prompting officers to respond with force. Abdullah’s attorney highlighted what he believed were missteps in law enforcement’s handling of the situation, such as failing to contact Abdullah directly or calling in the SWAT team despite the seriousness of the alleged threat. Footage from the sergeant’s body-worn camera showed him identifying Abdullah as a Black Lives Matter organizer.
The defendant, Assistant Los Angeles city attorney Irving Estrada, defended the officers’ actions, stating they acted in accordance with what they believed to be a real threat at the time. He accused Abdullah of seeking special treatment and insisted that officers are required to respond to all emergency calls seriously, regardless of personal opinions. The recording of the prank call played during the trial revealed derogatory remarks towards Black Lives Matter made by the caller, further supporting the argument that the situation was falsely reported.
Abdullah’s lawsuit against the LAPD alleges multiple violations, including unlawful seizure, false imprisonment, excessive force, assault, and negligence. The activist was previously targeted in other swatting incidents fueled by racial hatred. Despite the trauma caused by these incidents, she continues to advocate for justice and accountability. The presence of a police helicopter and armed officers outside her home during the hoax was viewed as intimidation rather than protection.
The trial highlighted the tense relationship between law enforcement and activists, with Abdullah’s prominent role in the Black Lives Matter movement influencing perceptions of the case. City officials and members of the City Council have called for an investigation into the LAPD’s response. An internal affairs investigation was launched following allegations of misconduct during the search of one of Abdullah’s attorneys’ homes. The lawsuit is ongoing, with both sides presenting their arguments in court.
Before the trial began, Abdullah and her supporters gathered in prayer, expressing their commitment to seeking justice and holding law enforcement accountable. The activists’ concern for police accountability and transparency in dealing with racial justice issues is at the forefront of the legal battle. While the trial focuses on the specifics of the case, it also raises broader questions about police conduct, racial profiling, and the rights of activists to protest without fear of retaliation. As the proceedings continue, the outcome will likely have implications for future interactions between law enforcement and activists advocating for social change.
