Hochul Seeks Investigation Into Doorley Traffic Stop Amid Controversy and Council Doubts

Rekindling controversy, New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul has called for a state investigation into Republican District Attorney Sandra Doorley in connection with bodycam footage released from her April 2024 traffic stop. The video shows that Doorley was caught driving at 55 mph on a road where the speed limit is only set to 35 mph in Webster, New York, and refused to pull over when an officer followed her for half a mile until she reached home. During their heated exchange, Doorley called Webster Police Chief Dennis Kohlmeier asking him “to please tell [the police] to leave me alone,” as the situation escalated into verbal hostility between herself and the law enforcement official. She later stated that although she acknowledged breaking traffic laws by driving at 55 mph in a 35-mph zone, she had no intention of using her position for any benefit or special treatment. The all-Democrat Rochester City Council also expressed doubts regarding Doorley’s suitability to hold the District Attorney office due to this incident which led them “to question [her] fitness to serve as District Attorney.” However, in a statement released on Thursday, Doorley affirmed that she believes everyone should be held accountable for their actions regardless of position or authority. She added that her dedication and commitment towards public safety had been evident throughout the past three decades, including cases such as prosecuting murderers like Kelvin Vickers who was sentenced to life in prison without parole due to Doorley’s advocacy efforts during his trial.