'What a joke': NY DA Sandra Doorley trolled as she blames 'medical concern' and work stress for cursing out cop

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK: A routine traffic stop turned into a viral controversy when Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley was recorded on a police officer's bodycam launching into a profanity-filled tirade after being pulled over for speeding.

In a bid to calm the controversy, the veteran prosecutor issued a public apology on Monday, April 29, citing work stress and medical matters as factors behind her conduct, but the apology has done little to ease widespread criticism, as per New York Post.

Kathy Hochul refers Sandra Doorley to the state commission tasked with investigating prosecutors' conduct

The altercation occurred on Monday, April 22, when an unidentified Webster police officer tried to pull over Doorley for driving 55 mph in a 35-mph zone. Instead of stopping, the district attorney proceeded to her residence, leading the officer to follow.

Upon reaching her home, Doorley used her phone to call Webster Police Chief Dennis Kohlmeier to express her dissatisfaction with the officer who had been following her, referring to him as an "a**hole," as seen in the bodycam footage.

Despite her tantrum, Doorley was issued a traffic ticket, which she pleaded guilty to on Thursday, April 25. The fine amount was not disclosed.

Doorley's outburst, captured on camera, sparked widespread condemnation and calls for her resignation from various quarters, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul.

On Sunday, April 28, Hochul referred the district attorney to a state commission responsible for investigating prosecutors' conduct.

Sandra Doorley blames work stress and 'frightening medical concern' for her viral behavior

In a recorded apology, Doorley acknowledged her wrongdoing, attributing her behavior to work-related stress and a "frightening medical concern" involving her husband.

"I'd just come from work. I was dealing with three homicides that occurred on the weekend, I watched a video where an innocent cab driver was executed, and I was still reeling from a frightening medical concern that my husband received that afternoon," Doorley said in the apology.

She added, "But we all have bad days and stress, and it was wrong for me to take it out on an officer who was just doing his job."

Apart from pleading guilty and settling the fine, Doorley announced a series of disciplinary actions against herself, including referring the case to a different district attorney's office for review and enrolling in ethics training.

"If one of my assistant district attorneys had acted this way, I would've disciplined them. So I'm disciplining myself. I will take ethics training to remind myself that professionalism matters," she explained.

The prosecutor, who has served for 33 years, also acknowledged that her actions fell short of the values she has upheld throughout her career.

"I didn't treat this officer with the respect that he deserved. All police officers deserve respect. I've been humbled by my own stupidity, and I am fully to blame. I will make this right," Doorley concluded.

Internet trolls Sandra Doorley for offering excuses instead of a sincere apology

The internet was quick to react to Doorley's apology, with many users trolling her for offering excuses instead of a sincere apology.

One X commenter remarked, "This is a masterclass on how NOT to apologize."

Another user wrote, "This is akin to 'the FBI conducts an investigation of the FBI and finds the FBI committed no wrongdoing.' What a joke."

A third user stated, "33 year career down the drain in 15 minutes." [sic]

Another user noted, "A good tip for making a sincere apology: 'I’m sorry but…' is not an apology. It’s an excuse. Do better, Madame DA."

Further reactions flooded in, with one user suggesting, "Her PR consultant just sent her a huge invoice," while another quipped, "Whatever her PR team got paid for this, it was wayyyy too much." [sic]

A user highlighted, "'No excuses' followed by a list of excuses most of which are the job she willingly took."

Lastly, one user speculated, "She must have flunked the ethics course."

 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.