Black Lives Matter co-founder Melina Abdullah lost her lawsuit against the Los Angeles Police Department on Thursday, but a jury ruled that police responded appropriately to a call at her home, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Abdullah sued the LAPD in 2020 over a “swatting” incident in which officers were called to his home – a practice in which fake police emergencies are called to private residences, which can sometimes escalate into violence.
Abdullah claimed that police knew the swatting report was fake but still went to her home to try to intimidate her because she was anti-police.
Police argued that their response was appropriate after a caller alleged that Abdullah had taken three people hostage at his home and threatened to kill them unless he paid $1 million.
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Black Lives Matter co-founder Melina Abdullah lost her lawsuit against the Los Angeles Police Department on Thursday, after a jury ruled that officers responded appropriately to a call at her home.
Abdullah was livestreaming from her cellphone during her interaction with police and could be heard asking officers, “Do you know who I am?” She also urged her social media viewers to contact two Los Angeles city council members, according to The New York Times.
Abdullah called Thursday's sentence “disheartening, disappointing and unsurprising” and argued it was the result of an “unfair system,” The Times reported. He plans to appeal the verdict.
Abdullah (centre) said Thursday's verdict was “disheartening, unfortunate and unsurprising” and was the result of an “unfair system”. She plans to appeal the sentence.
Abdullah last made headlines when he was selected as Cornel West's running mate for the 2024 presidential election. He accepted West's offer in early April.
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“I wanted someone who is committed to advancing the rights of poor and working-class people of all races,” said West, who is running as an independent. “Melina has a long history of commitment to that struggle.”
Abdullah last made headlines when he was selected as Cornel West's running mate in the 2024 presidential election. (Charlie Kreitz/Fox News)
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West commented on Abdullah's loss on social media last week.
“I feel deep solidarity with my dear sister, comrade and vice presidential candidate Dr. Melina Abdullah. I believe this is a huge miscarriage of justice. We will continue to fight for truth, justice and love!” he wrote.
Abdullah also attracted public attention in February when he claimed on social media that he felt being a Taylor Swift fan was “a little racist”.
When a user pressed her to elaborate, she replied, “I said I feel it, not think it. Similar to the way you get when you see too many American flags.” On the same post, someone else commented, “Literally everything is racist.” Abdullah replied, “Exactly!”
Anders Hagstrom is a reporter for Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news. Send your tips to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.