City Withdraws $461 Debt Demand Following Public Outcry
The city of Oakland has issued a formal apology to the widow of Officer Tuan Le, who was killed in the line of duty last year, after initially seeking to reclaim $461 from her. The city claimed the officer was overpaid due to technical issues following a ransomware attack on city systems in 2023.
Debt waived following media attention
The office of the city administrator revealed to local news station KRON4 that the debt has been waived and the matter is now considered “closed.”
“The City stands with Officer Le’s family and apologizes for any distress or inconvenience this issue has caused for them, and we will continue our unwavering support,” the city administrator’s office stated.
Overpayment linked to ransomware attack
Officer Tuan Le, who was fatally shot while responding to a burglary in December 2023, was overpaid by $461 due to technical issues stemming from a 2023 ransomware attack on the city’s systems. Following his untimely death, the debt was transferred to his widow, Sarah Fung. Reports indicated that the city was prepared to deduct the amount from his death benefits.
The Oakland Police Officer’s Association (OPOA) accused city officials of harassing Fung over the repayment. “We were furious,” said Huy Nguyen, president of the OPOA, in an interview with ABC 7. “It’s devastating to experience what she is going through.”
Nguyen further criticized the city attorney’s office for inquiring about insurance policies and other benefits to cover the $461. “Do you really want to waste this much money and effort into doing this?” he questioned.
The city attorney’s office denied any attempts to lien the pension and benefits due to Fung. However, the OPOA had sent a strongly-worded letter to city officials before the debt was waived, condemning the actions as “inhuman, outrageous, disgraceful, heartless, and unconscionable.” The letter urged the city to write off the debt, stating that “any responsible government agency or leader would do” the same.
Officer Tuan Le’s heroic legacy
Officer Tuan Le was killed on December 29, 2023, while responding to a burglary in progress at a cannabis dispensary in Jack London Square. Four individuals have been charged in connection with his murder.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of families of fallen officers and the responsibilities of government agencies in handling such sensitive matters. The city’s apology and decision to waive the debt have been seen as necessary steps to rectify the situation and support Officer Le’s grieving family.
