Seattle police officer fired over "vile" comments after death of woman fatally struck by police SUV
Officer Daniel Auderer was heard laughing after stating Jaahnavi Kandula was dead, saying her young life had "limited value."
A Seattle police officer has been terminated for making insensitive comments regarding the death of an Indian graduate student who was fatally struck by another officer's vehicle in a crosswalk last year. Interim Seattle Police Chief Sue Rahr announced the firing of Officer Daniel Auderer on Wednesday, following remarks he made shortly after the tragic incident involving Jaahnavi Kandula, who died in January 2023, according to CBS affiliate KIRO-TV.
In a department-wide email, Rahr emphasized her responsibility to uphold the police department’s standards for maintaining public trust and stated that Auderer's conduct “has brought shame on the Seattle Police Department and our entire profession.” Her decision was influenced by a recommendation from Gino Betts Jr., the civilian director of the Office of Police Accountability, who advocated for Auderer's dismissal due to unprofessional behavior and bias demonstrated in recorded statements. The Office of Police Accountability previously characterized his remarks as “derogatory, disturbing, and inhumane.”
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell supported Rahr's decision, acknowledging the potential for an appeal and arbitration which could impact the department's aim to terminate over a decade of federal oversight concerning officer accountability. Harrell remarked, “This incident damaged the public trust we have been working to strengthen since Day One of my administration.”
Auderer, who has served as a police officer since 2009 and is the elected vice president of the Seattle Police Officers Guild, suggested that his conversation with union President Mike Solan after Kandula's death was private and unintended for public ears. Rahr noted that while Auderer's apology during his disciplinary hearing expressed regret, it could not outweigh the “cruel and callous laughter” he exhibited at the expense of Kandula’s family.
Following Kandula's death on January 23, 2023, after being struck while walking in a crosswalk, Auderer was part of the investigation determining whether Officer Kevin Dave, who was driving the vehicle, was impaired. A report established that Dave, who was responding to an emergency call, was speeding—traveling at 74 mph in a 25 mph zone just prior to the collision.
In February, prosecutors chose not to file felony charges against Dave, citing insufficient evidence that he knowingly disregarded safety, although he was fined $5,000 for negligent driving. Dave was later reassigned to an administrative role within the department.
Auderer's problematic remarks were captured on his body camera without his awareness. In the recording, he laughed and callously suggested Kandula’s life had “limited value,” proposing a compensation of $11,000 for her death. This conversation only came to light last August, prompting public outcry and condemnation, including from the Indian government.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing. Betts emphasized that the context of union business does not excuse the content of Auderer's remarks, stating it reflected broader issues within the department regarding attitudes toward community members. Community stakeholders expressed that Auderer's words underscored a troubling culture that devalues lives and erodes trust in law enforcement.
In a department-wide email, Rahr emphasized her responsibility to uphold the police department’s standards for maintaining public trust and stated that Auderer's conduct “has brought shame on the Seattle Police Department and our entire profession.” Her decision was influenced by a recommendation from Gino Betts Jr., the civilian director of the Office of Police Accountability, who advocated for Auderer's dismissal due to unprofessional behavior and bias demonstrated in recorded statements. The Office of Police Accountability previously characterized his remarks as “derogatory, disturbing, and inhumane.”
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell supported Rahr's decision, acknowledging the potential for an appeal and arbitration which could impact the department's aim to terminate over a decade of federal oversight concerning officer accountability. Harrell remarked, “This incident damaged the public trust we have been working to strengthen since Day One of my administration.”
Auderer, who has served as a police officer since 2009 and is the elected vice president of the Seattle Police Officers Guild, suggested that his conversation with union President Mike Solan after Kandula's death was private and unintended for public ears. Rahr noted that while Auderer's apology during his disciplinary hearing expressed regret, it could not outweigh the “cruel and callous laughter” he exhibited at the expense of Kandula’s family.
Following Kandula's death on January 23, 2023, after being struck while walking in a crosswalk, Auderer was part of the investigation determining whether Officer Kevin Dave, who was driving the vehicle, was impaired. A report established that Dave, who was responding to an emergency call, was speeding—traveling at 74 mph in a 25 mph zone just prior to the collision.
In February, prosecutors chose not to file felony charges against Dave, citing insufficient evidence that he knowingly disregarded safety, although he was fined $5,000 for negligent driving. Dave was later reassigned to an administrative role within the department.
Auderer's problematic remarks were captured on his body camera without his awareness. In the recording, he laughed and callously suggested Kandula’s life had “limited value,” proposing a compensation of $11,000 for her death. This conversation only came to light last August, prompting public outcry and condemnation, including from the Indian government.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing. Betts emphasized that the context of union business does not excuse the content of Auderer's remarks, stating it reflected broader issues within the department regarding attitudes toward community members. Community stakeholders expressed that Auderer's words underscored a troubling culture that devalues lives and erodes trust in law enforcement.