Statement from President Mitch Daniels

A shot of the Purdue University campus during the winter season.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. —

Purdue University President Mitch Daniels issued this statement on Thursday (Feb. 10).

“There are no subjects Purdue takes more seriously than campus safety, student well-being, and proper police conduct. On Friday evening, Feb. 4, police received a bystander report of a suspected assault on a woman, prompting an officer’s urgent response.  

Immediately upon learning of the use of force during our police officer’s response, we ordered an investigation, including not only the required review of the officer’s actions as is standard procedure under Purdue University Police policies, but also witness interviews and a release of all video evidence, including body-worn and in-car camera footage.

The inquiry into the police officer’s handling of the situation will be swift and thorough. As an additional step, following the internal review, the Indiana State Police will immediately commence an independent review of the PUPD investigation and video evidence. Should there be a finding of misconduct by the officer, appropriate action will be taken promptly. 

In the spirit of transparency, once the Purdue Police and Indiana State Police reviews are complete, all findings and evidence, including all video evidence from body-worn cameras, in-car camera footage, dispatch calls and witness interviews, will be made available.  

We ask for your patience as the investigation moves forward and again, will communicate findings as soon as they are available.”

— Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr.

Note: As part of Purdue’s campus response, the Office of the Dean of Students, Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, and Office of Counseling and Psychological Services are providing resources and support for students who were involved or affected.

More Purdue News

Kathryn Cramer Brownell

Purdue Liberal Arts history professor and author recognized as a 2025 Andrew Carnegie Fellow

April 16, 2025

A white-flowering tree in springtime frames the Unfinished Block P in soft focus.

Top 5 stories from Purdue University

April 11, 2025

Students walk under an arch on Purdue University’s campus.

Purdue graduate programs in engineering, business and health again rank among the nation’s finest

April 8, 2025

Trustees approve 3-year contract with SP Plus for free expanded campus transit services

April 4, 2025