Additional Coverage:
Seattle police officer Daniel Auderer was terminated after making insensitive remarks about the death of Jaahnavi Kandula, a graduate student from India killed by a police vehicle last year. Interim Police Chief Sue Rahr announced the firing, emphasizing that Auderer’s behavior tarnished the department’s reputation and complicated policing efforts citywide.
Chief Rahr’s decision followed a recommendation by Gino Betts Jr., the civilian director of the Office of Police Accountability, who criticized Auderer for unprofessional conduct and bias in his remarks about the incident.
The controversy began when a body camera recorded a conversation between Auderer and another union leader joking about the accident. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell supported the firing, acknowledging the potential for an appeal and its implications on ongoing federal oversight of the department.
Auderer, who has served since 2009, expressed remorse during his disciplinary hearing, apologizing to Kandula’s family and admitting his comments were hurtful. Despite this, Rahr deemed his apology insufficient given the gravity of his actions.
The incident has prompted widespread criticism and calls for further accountability within the Seattle Police Department, underscoring the deep community impact of Auderer’s comments and the broader challenges of police reform.