Renewed calls for accountability have erupted in Seattle following the death of 23-year-old Jaahnavi Kandula, who was struck and killed by Seattle Police Officer Kevin Dave while crossing the street in January 2023. An investigation into the incident concluded that Officer Dave would not face criminal charges, resulting in a traffic citation for negligent driving and a fine of just over $5,000.
On Monday night, a group of protestors gathered at City Hall Park to voice their outrage over what they describe as an injustice. The incident occurred on January 23, 2023, in the South Lake Union neighborhood, where Kandula was hit by Officer Dave, who was responding to an overdose call while driving at speeds exceeding 74 miles per hour.
Dash camera footage captured Kandula entering a crosswalk and running moments before the collision. Despite the circumstances, the investigation determined that the speed at which Officer Dave was traveling did not provide either Kandula or himself enough time to react to the situation. The report concluded that speed was the primary cause of the crash.
While Officer Dave has filed paperwork to contest the traffic citation, a hearing is scheduled for September 24. The report noted that although Officer Dave had his emergency lights activated, he did not continuously sound his siren, opting instead to “chirp” it at the intersection. At the time of the incident, Kandula was reportedly wearing a black jacket, black pants, and white shoes, and she may have had Apple AirPods in both ears, though investigators could not confirm their mode at the time of the collision.
The incident was further marred by the controversial comments made by another officer, Daniel Auderer, who was recorded laughing and making dismissive remarks about Kandula’s death. Auderer has since been terminated from the Seattle Police Department and has filed a $20 million lawsuit against the city.
As protests continue, community members are demanding that Officer Dave be fired from the police department, arguing that the citation is insufficient given the tragic loss of life. Calls for justice emphasize the need for systemic change within the police department and accountability for actions that result in such devastating outcomes.
The Seattle Police Department reported that Officer Dave was responding to a “priority one” call at the request of the Seattle Fire Department, addressing a report of a drug overdose. Despite this context, the community’s frustration highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding police conduct and public safety in Seattle.
