Police officer cleared of fatal shooting of Hofstra University student

The police officer involved in the fatal shooting of Hofstra University student Andrea Rebello has been cleared as of Wednesday.

A reports sent out stated that Officer Nikolas Budimlic had “reasonably perceived threats of deadly force” and “acted accordingly”, according to CNN. He was cleared by any idea of wrongdoing on his part.

Police responded when an intruder, 30-year-old Delton Smith, was holding Rebello against her will. After numerous threats to shoot both Rebello and Budimlic, the officer made the decision to open fire. Smith was shot seven times and was killed, while Rebello was shot once in the head during the open fire. She died at Nassau University Medical Center later from her wounds.

Newsday reports that, during Budimlic’s investigation by his department, all evidence was well preserved in case there would be a pending lawsuit, including all audio and visual recordings.

Hofstra University has declined to comment about this new report regarding the police officer. The incident is described as a “heartbreaking loss.”