.webp?max-h=442&w=760&fit=crop&crop=faces,center)
Former Seattle Police Officer Daniel Auderer has filed a hefty $20 million tort complaint against the city following his termination, claiming wrongful termination and damage to his reputation, in addition to emotional distress. According to FOX 13 Seattle, Auderer was previously recorded on body camera footage laughing and making dismissive remarks regarding Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old student killed by a police patrol car in South Lake Union. His termination came after a video surfaced showing him joking about the fatality.
The incident at the center of Auderer’s claim occurred on January 23, 2023, when he was dispatched to assist with a fatal accident involving another officer. As per KING 5, the officer struck Kandula while responding to an emergency call, which led to a traffic infraction filed against him. Auderer was later heard on video saying "but she is dead" and laughing, adding the remark, "She was 26 anyway... She had limited value." In his defense, Auderer penned a letter stating he was mocking the legal system's callousness, not Kandula's death.
Auderer's complaint will be reviewed by the Department of Finance and Administrative Services, with the aid of the City Attorney's Office. The case points to larger questions surrounding office conduct, accountability, and the emotional response of public servants to tragic events.
The Office of Police Accountability also weighed in on Auderer's actions. The director’s recommended findings from the investigation included two sustained findings: A sustained finding for violating SPD Policy 5.001 – Standards and Duties POL-10. Employees will strive to be Professional. A sustained finding for violating SPD Policy 5.140 – Bias-Free Policing, 5.140-POL-2. Officers will not engage in Bias-Based Policing, as stated in a report obtained by KOMO News. Following the department's decision, a spokesperson for Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell indicated that the Mayor was not available to discuss the matter.
