Outrage in Seattle: Officer Fired for Insensitive Comments and Laughter After Tragic Death of Indian Student
New York/Delhi, 18 July (H.S.): The Seattle Police Department has made the decision to fire Officer Daniel Auderer after his insensitive comments and laughter following the death of 23-year-old Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula caused widespread outrage.
Kandula was struck and killed by a police vehicle driven by Officer Kevin Dave, who was speeding at 74 mph on the way to a drug overdose call. Bodycam footage released by the department shows Auderer laughing about the deadly crash and making callous remarks about Kandula's death.
Interim Chief Sue Rahr has condemned Auderer's behavior, stating that it has brought shame to the department and the entire law enforcement profession. Rahr emphasized the importance of upholding high standards in order to maintain public trust, and acknowledged the hurt that Auderer's words have inflicted on Kandula's family.