Seattle Officer Fired for Comments on Student Death

Seattle Police Officer Daniel Auderer has been fired for making derogatory and callous remarks about the death of Indian graduate student Jaahnavi Kandula, who was fatally struck by another officer's vehicle in a crosswalk. Auderer's comments, captured on body camera footage, were described as 'vile,' 'derogatory,' and 'disturbing,' leading to his termination by interim Police Chief Sue Rahr. The remarks, including statements about the victim's 'limited value,' sparked outrage and were deemed to have severely damaged public trust in the police department. Despite Auderer acknowledging the hurtfulness of his words, the decision to terminate his employment was made to uphold public trust and honor the victim's memory, impacting the police department's ongoing efforts to enhance accountability and regain community trust.