Amy Cooper, the white woman who called police on a black man in Central Park, made a second emergency call that day. In the second call, she allegedly stated Christian Cooper (no relation) also tried to assault her, prosecutors announced. Cooper initially called the cops on a Christian who was birdwatching in New York’s Central Park. Today is the first time it’s been disclosed she made that second call to 911.
Cyrus Vance, Manhattan district attorney, said Cooper’s complaints are a hoax. He further elaborated it’s fortunate nobody was injured or killed that day as a result of the claims. In addition, prosecutors say the case can be resolved if Cooper agrees to participate in a community reintegration program. However, Cooper did not plead guilty to the misdemeanor in the videotape that reads the charges. The case will resume on Nov. 17 for possible resolution.
“Using the police in a racially offensive manner designed to intimidate is something that cannot be ignored. That’s why we prosecuted her,” said Assistant Prosecutor Joan Illuzzi-Orbon. At the moment, the prosecutor did not specify the actions to be taken, yet did mention the responsibilities Cooper will have to take for her actions.
During the summer, Cooper’s first call to 911 allegedly a black man — Christian — in the famous park was threatening her. In viral videos, Chrisitan is requesting Cooper to respect park rules by putting her dog on a leash. The second call, which was undisclosed until today, Cooper claims the man “tried to assault her”.
“The criminal process can be an opportunity for introspection and education,” said Illuzzi-Orbon. “Options could include some type of racial sensitivity training or a public awareness campaign.”
The Manhattan District Attorney stated that he will “seek a resolution of this case that holds Ms. Cooper accountable while healing our community, restoring justice, and deterring others from perpetuating this racist practice.”
Backstory
In a recorded video, Christian and Amy Cooper are seen clearly apart and appearing to be calm. There are signs in the park with regulations for owners having their dogs on a leash; Christian was only attempting to have Cooper follow them. But, the confrontation escalated quickly as Cooper began to yell at him to keep his distance from her and her dog. She also warned Christian if he didn’t stop recording, she would call the police on him.
“I’m going to tell them there’s an African-American man threatening my life,” Cooper is heard saying.
In response to her outburst, Christian simply says, “please call the police.”
Cooper indeed does make the call and can be heard alleging Christian as threatening her.
“There is an African-American man, I am in Central Park, he is recording me and threatening me and my dog. Please send the police immediately!”
Weeks later, Cooper apologized in a public service announcement where she says she “reacted emotionally and made false assumptions about her intentions.”
Despite the apology, Cooper is charged under existing false-reporting law. New York lawmakers have now made it easier for civilians to sue an individual for calling the police “without reason”. Those “without reason” include the background of someone including race and national origin. Also in the aftermath of the viral video, Cooper has been fired from her job at the Franklin Templeton Investment firm.
