A judge has ordered a man who called the police on peaceful Black Lives Matter protestors to pay $4,500 for violating their civil rights.
Each of the protestors will receive $500.
New York’s Attorney General Letitia James’ filed the lawsuit against the former owner of Bumpy’s Polar Freeze in Schenectady. The suit describes David Elmendorf wielding a baton and an air rifle as he yelled racial epithets at protesters.
“This outcome sends a clear message that racism and hatred will not be tolerated in our community,” said Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy. “On behalf of the city of Schenectady, I would like to thank Attorney General James and her team for their dedicated work on this historic case.”
According to the Associated Press, protestors turned up at his business to protest after racist text messages he allegedly wrote circulated on social media. In the texts, Elmendorf declared that he refused to hire Black employees.
Elmendorf then called 911 and falsely reported that armed protesters were threatening to shoot him. He called the Black demonstrators “savages.”
In addition to paying $500 to each of the nine protesters he harassed, Elmendorf is permanently barred from making future threats against people because of their race. He is also banned from brandishing a deadly weapon within 1,000 feet of any peaceful protest.
“There is zero tolerance for harassment, intimidation, or violence of any kind against anyone in New York,” said Attorney General James. “As this nation continues to be plagued by division and hate, this decision sends a critical and clear message that those who perpetuate racism and discrimination, including filing false, race-based police reports, will be held to the fullest extent of the law. This is an important step forward, but our work isn’t over — we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every New Yorker feels safe and protected.”
