Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has called for a thorough investigation into the tragic death of Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula in Seattle, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter. Kandula, a 23-year-old Indian graduate student, lost her life in a pedestrian accident involving a speeding police car traveling at 74 miles per hour in a 25-mile-per-hour zone on January 23, 2023, according to media reports.
Krishnamoorthi strongly condemned a recording of a Seattle police officer making light of Kandula's death and questioning the value of her life. He stated, "The recording of a Seattle Police officer making light of her death and questioning the value of her life is disgusting and unacceptable. I urge the Seattle Police Department to pursue its investigation into this matter with the seriousness it demands."
In the recorded video, Daniel Auderer, a police officer, can be heard making callous remarks about Kandula's death, sparking outrage in the community. The National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA) has passed a unanimous resolution urging authorities to prioritize the investigation, community engagement, and respect for the rights and dignity of all individuals affected.
Indian American Impact, in a statement, expressed shock at the footage and called for accountability for the officer's actions. Indian American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal also strongly condemned the incident, highlighting the harmful consequences of normalizing xenophobia and racism.
Public outrage has grown as a result of the recorded incident, with many demanding accountability for the officer's remarks. However, conservative talk radio host Jason Rantz reported that Auderer had provided a written statement to the city's Office of Police Accountability, explaining that his comments were intended to mock how attorneys might try to minimize liability for such incidents.
While Auderer's statement may provide context, it remains clear that Kandula's tragic death and the insensitive remarks made by the police officer have deeply affected the community and ignited a larger conversation about the need for accountability and sensitivity in law enforcement.
A coalition representing family members of individuals killed by police has also voiced its objection to Auderer's comments, emphasizing the importance of police officers' commitment to protecting and respecting all individuals they serve. Annalisa Thomas, a member of this coalition, stated, "It's no joke when police reveal their true feelings of contempt for the people they are sworn to protect."
