Skip Gates

911 Caller Didn’t Mention Race

Says she wasn’t sure it was a break-in.

The Cambridge Police Department has released the tape of the 911 call that resulted in the arrest of African American scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. "I don't know what's happening,” the caller said. “I don't know if they live there and they just had a hard time with their key, but I did notice they had to use their shoulders to try to barge in.” She reported “two gentlemen trying to get in a house.” The 911 operator asked if the men were “black or Hispanic,” and the caller said that, though one looked Hispanic, “I’m not really sure.” Sgt. James Crowley can also be heard entering the home and meeting "a gentleman [who] says he resides here." According to Crowley, the man was "uncooperative," and the sergeant instructed "keep the cars coming."