Two weeks ago, just before the murder of George Floyd, the video of Amy Cooper, a white woman, calling the police on Black man, Christian Cooper (no relation) in Central Park, went viral. Christian Cooper, an avid birdwatcher, merely told Cooper to put her dog on a leash, in accordance with the park’s section rules. She became frantic and called the police, stating that there is “an African-American man threatening my life.”
The viral video sparked many conversations about race--specifically focusing on white women's fear of Black men--and recalled historic instances, like the murder of Emmett Till. A simple call like that could have cost Christian Cooper his life. There was no real danger to Amy Cooper or her dog. It was yet another story of a privileged white person calling the police on a Black man for an otherwise normal request. Luckily, Christian Cooper is safe, however Amy Cooper was fired from her finance job. Also, her dog that was initally surrendered back to the shelter, has since been returned to her.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo requested a bill that makes false police reports based on race a hate crime to be passed as soon as possible. This comes almost as an immediate response as a part of a group of police reform bills after the death of George Floyd. While the bill is not new, it was introduced by New York state Assemblyman Felix Ortiz in 2018, it gained new traction after the aforementioned viral video.
NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo asks state lawmakers to adopt ‘Amy Cooper’ 911 false accusation bill.
— Complex (@Complex) June 7, 2020
More: https://t.co/RdL65i94Vd pic.twitter.com/FLLI7X1ppt
Other states such as Oregon and Washington have already passed laws that make it a criminal offense to call the police for instances that are not a crime. Meanwhile, New Jersey and Minnesota are also taking into account similar bills.
This bill is much needed. It would help save innocent Black lives, for they are often the target of racism and police brutality.
Header Image via NBC News on YouTube
More from BUST
BUST’s Black Staffers Get Personal About Race In America On The “Poptarts” Podcast
A Black Trans Woman Was Attacked, And Cis Women Need To Open Their Purses
Nadia is a California aka Best Coast to NYC transplant who loves all things science, intersectional feminism, and the world. When she isn't being a trivia queen, traveling the world or fighting for a good cause, she dabbles in the arts. Maybe follow her Twitter @svilormercury for random thoughts and whatnot.
