Buffalo Shooting: 911 Dispatcher Accused of Hanging Up on Tops Worker

MAY 18 2022·Updated MAY 20 2022

Story

Image credit: The New York Times

The Facts

A 911 dispatcher has been suspended after allegedly hanging up on a Tops supermarket employee during the Buffalo mass shooting on Saturday.
New York Post
The store's assistant manager said she called 911 during the attack and whispered as she could hear the shooter was in close proximity. The dispatcher allegedly slammed the phone down out of annoyance.
Independent
The dispatcher was put on administrative leave on May 16 pending a disciplinary hearing in the week of May 30, when the County Office will reportedly seek to terminate their job.
Daily Caller
13 victims were shot during the attack, 11 of whom were Black. 10 were left dead in the shooting that was live-streamed by the gunman online.
Newsweek
The suspected attacker has been charged with first-degree murder in what authorities believe was a racially motivated shooting.
Newsweek

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

It is right that the dispatcher is facing disciplinary action or, even, being fired. She failed to follow protocol, and her completely unacceptable conduct put lives at risk.

Daily Mail

Narrative B

A review of the call shows it's unclear who hung up on whom. The dispatcher's conduct also had no effect on the police dispatch, as authorities arrived in the minute after the first 911 call was made. Although the conduct was unacceptable, the matter is still up for review.