We mourn with Daunte Wright's family as another Black man's life is lost at the hands of law enforcement. We don't see these sort of things happening to white young people that we see happening over and over and over again to young, marginalized minorities. Potter is required to serve two-thirds of her two-year sentence in prison, or 16 months, according to state law. He was ours.". Relatives of at least six Black men killed by the police and a family member of Emmett Till, who had been lynched in Money, Mississippi, in 1955, were also present. [16][30][59] In order to avoid conflicts of interest, although the incident took place in Hennepin County, it was reviewed by the Washington County Attorney's Office per an agreement with metropolitan counties to handle officer-involved shootings. The family of Daunte Wright celebrate a guilty verdict for Kim Potter outside of the Hennepin County Government Center on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, in Minneapolis. Daunte Wright's parents are speaking out after the 20-year-old was fatally shot by a police officer during a Minnesota traffic stop Sunday. "[58] On April 13, Gannon announced his resignation, alongside that of Potter. "He is fatherless," she said of Wright's son. Daunte Wright has been remembered by friends as upbeat and gregarious, someone who loved to play basketball and was a supportive father to his son, Daunte Jr., who was a year old when Mr. Wright . [125] Trial proceedings began on November 30 in Minneapolis, at a Hennepin County Government Center courtroom Chu presiding. [136][137] Following the verdict, Potter was taken into custody and transferred to the state's Women's Correctional Facility in Shakopee. The eulogy was delivered by Al Sharpton. And we stand with you," Harris said. [72], Attorney General Ellison's office took over the prosecution on May 21. Daunte Wright. . Courtesy Wright Family. "[118], The evening of April 11, 2021, mourners and protesters held an evening vigil for Wright near the Brooklyn Center location were he was killed. All Rights Reserved. [13] To pursue a longer sentence than what is typical requires the prosecution to demonstrate Blakely factors, or elements of a crime which make it particularly egregious. Law enforcement in Brooklyn Center established a heavily fortified barrier area and periodically clashed with demonstrators over several days. The parents of Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man who was shot and killed by a white police officer in a Minneapolis suburb on Sunday, said they "can't accept" the notion that their son's killing was "a mistake. CousinMario Greer said Wright's favorite holiday was the Fourth of July. A GoFundMe page for a memorial fund for Wright has so far raised over $560,000 as of Wednesday morning. She had no idea it would be the last time she would speak with her son. [16] Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott called on Governor Tim Walz to reassign the case to the office of the State Attorney General Keith Ellison. Crime. Officer Kim Potter, part of the Brooklyn Center Police negotiation team, in a photo taken on May 31, 2007. [148], Wright's death was one of several instances in which a police officer admitted to firing a handgun when intending to draw and discharge a Taser, such as a 2002 shooting in Rochester, Minnesota,[149] the fatal 2009 shooting of Oscar Grant by a Bay Area Rapid Transit officer in Oakland, California, and the deadly 2015 shooting of Eric Harris by a volunteer reserve deputy in Tulsa, Oklahoma. "And we will continue to work with all fair-minded Americans to confront historical inequities and bring about nationwide changes that are so long overdue.". Demonstrations took place over several days, and spread to cities across the United States. Following Wrights killing, dayslong protests erupted in Brooklyn Center, which is just 10 miles from Minneapolis reigniting the scrutiny over the use of force by police against Black Americans. "But it doesnt -- will not justify violence and/or looting. . [143] In explaining her sentencing decision, Chu said the case was unusual, and that Potter made a "tragic mistake" of thinking that she drew her taser instead of her firearm while in a chaotic situation. Daunte Wright was working on 'straightening his life out' for his son, his family told Insider. Aubrey recalled the moment he learned about what happened to his son. Now, they're speaking out on his behalf. According to a civil lawsuit filed Monday in Hennepin County, Chyna Whitaker says Wright's parents and attorney Ben . And I'm just so messed up about it because I feel like they stole my son's dad from him. She said she had overheard what sounded like a scuffle and an officer saying, "Daunte, don't run" before the phone hung up, and that her son said he had been pulled over for having an air freshener hanging from his rear-view mirror. The former Brooklyn Center, Minn., police officer charged in the killing of Daunte Wright made her first appearance in court Thursday as members of the Wright family continued their call for . [65] According to The Independent, Potter fled her home for safety reasons after her address was leaked on social media. [151] After discharging her gun, startled, she yelled, "Oh, shit, I shot him. The family of Daunte Wright on Tuesday dismissed the initial conclusion by police that his fatal shooting by an officer who fired her gun instead of a Taser during a traffic stop was an accident. A curfew was imposed in Brooklyn Center, Minneapolis and other parts of Minnesota on Monday evening, and dozens of people were arrested amid riots overnight, according to Col. Matt Langer of the Minnesota State Patrol. Potter said she meant to use her service Taser, shouting "Taser! The mother of Daunte Wright's son, Daunte, Jr., is suing Wright's parents. As a freshman at Thomas Edison High . He's afraid of the police, and I just seen and heard the fear in his voice," she added. She . Wright's mother, Katie, said, "she [Potter] never once said his name. "I can't accept that a mistake, that doesn't even sound right," Aubrey said of the police's explanation regarding his son's death. Daunte Wright's family has called for peaceful protests. Updated Apr 12, 2021 at 10:34pm. [128], Minnesota Statutes required that all parties in a trial to agree to the use of courtroom cameras. Potter resigned from the police department days after the shooting. Chyna Whitaker is the mother of a child fathered by Mr Wright, a 20-year-old Black man who was killed by police in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, north of Minneapolis on 11 April 2021. "My position is that we cannot afford to make mistakes that lead to the loss of life of other people in our profession," Elliott told reporters Monday. "It is my belief that the officer had the intention to deploy their Taser, but instead shot Mr. Wright with a single bullet. His family say that Wright, 20, was shot by police after . There is no true justice for the Wrights because Daunte is never coming home, co-counsel Jeff Storms said in the statement. [3][4][5] He was the son of a Black father and a White mother. We're not going to be able to do that anymoreI love you, Daunte," Greer said. He was the son of a Black father and a White mother. [119][50] The sculpture had been displayed previously at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, but it was replaced there by a version made of metal. The parents of Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man shot dead by a white Minnesota police officer that superiors say mistook her handgun for a Taser, said on Tuesday they "could not accept . We are asking the protesters to continue to be peaceful and that peaceful protesters are not dealt with with force. "[105] Referring to controversy surrounding traffic stops due to small objects dangling from rear-view mirrors,[26] the American Civil Liberties Union said it had "deep concerns that police here appear to have used dangling air fresheners as an excuse for making a pretextual stop, something police do all too often to target Black people. [129] On November 9, Chu reversed her earlier ruling to ensure "meaningful access" to the trial, as the courtroom was subject to attendance restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Jazz musician Keyon Harrold played an instrumental piece. "[33][34][35] The supervisor released his hands from attempting to restrain Wright. After a brief struggle with officers, Potter shot Wright in the chest once at close range. [126], The Minnesota Attorney General's office served as the prosecution with Matthew Frank, an assistant attorney general, as the lead prosecutor. Courtesy Ben Crump Law. [150] The Bucks County, Pennsylvania District Attorney declined to press charges against the officer, saying state law excused the officer's conduct from criminal prosecution because of his "honest but mistaken" belief he was firing his Taser when he shot the wounded prisoner. "[98], Minnesota Lt. "But I don't know why and it should have never escalated the way it did. This is what he said", "What to Know About the Police Shooting of Daunte Wright", "Kim Potter Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Killing Daunte Wright", "Officer who fatally shot man in Brooklyn Center is identified as 26-year veteran", "Here's What We Know About Kim Potter, The Minnesota Officer Who Shot Daunte Wright", "Chief: Officer meant to use Taser, not firearm, on Daunte Wright", "Daunte Wright shooting: Police officer Kim Potter, Chief Tom Gannon resign from Brooklyn Center Police Department", "Officer who fatally shot Daunte Wright during traffic stop meant to use Taser, police chief says", "Daunte Wright's girlfriend sues Kim Potter for broken jaw, PTSD after shooting, crash", "Daunte Wright's Girlfriend Was With Him When He Was Shot, His Mother Says", "Breaking down the video: What happened during Daunte Wright's fatal traffic stop", "Daunte Wright's mother testifies of distraught moments after shooting", "Police fatally shoot man, 20, in suburban Minneapolis, sparking protests", "Lawyers lay out opposing views of police shooting that killed Daunte Wright", "BCA investigating after Brooklyn Center officer shoots, kills driver during traffic stop", "How a Common Air Freshener Can Result in a High-Stakes Traffic Stop", "Kimberly Potter's former supervisor says it was legal for her to fire gun at Daunte Wright", "Daunte Wright accused of choking and robbing woman at gunpoint, had arrest warrant", "Kim Potter's former supervisor: Deadly force justified in Daunte Wright shooting", "Protests erupt after police shoot Black man in Minneapolis traffic stop", "Daunte Wright shooting: Read the criminal complaint against ex-officer Kim Potter", "Taser, gun are focus of testimony in Potter trial", "Brooklyn Center police fatally shoot man, 20, inflaming tensions during the Derek Chauvin trial", "Minnesota officer shouted 'Taser!' Daunte Wright's parents have spoken out about their son's death, saying that they "can't accept" that his killing was "a mistake". 0:30. [16][27] The trainee officer approached the driver's side door and the supervisor approached the passenger's side door. He was shot by officer Kimberly . [21], On April 11, 2021, Wright was driving with his girlfriend in a white 2011 Buick LaCrosse that was registered to his brother. "I said, 'Well, take them down,'" she recalled, saying the police were also asking about proof of insurance and that she wanted to speak with the officers to give the information by phone. Potter was convicted of first-degree manslaughter and second-degree manslaughter on December 23, 2021, at a jury trial in Hennepin County. [22] The trainee officer returned to his squad car. He worked in retail and fast-food jobs to support his . And so, the question is, how we, in an orderly way, make clear that they get down to a full-blown investigation to determine what the facts are, and what is likely to have happened? "We liked to shoot Roman candles at each other. [141] The typical sentence for first-degree manslaughter in Minnesota is more than seven years in prison, with a maximum set at fifteen years. Wright Family Wright's aunt, Nyesha Wright, told reporters Tuesday that she hopes officials hold Potter "at the highest extent of the law." Daunte Wright, 20, who was shot and killed by Brooklyn Center, Minn., police during a traffic stop Sunday. People mourned at a vigil for 20-year-old Daunte Wright, who was shot and killed by a police officer in a Minneapolis suburb. Jurors on Thursday convicted Potter of two manslaughter charges in the killing of Daunte Wright, a Black motorist she shot during a traffic stop after she said she confused her gun for her Taser. [76], Following the shooting, mourners and protesters gathered near the scene to demand justice for Wright. [54][55][19], The Hennepin County medical examiner's office released a report on April 12 that determined the manner of death to be homicide and concluded that Wright had "died of a gunshot wound of the chest. [21] Wright, who was unarmed, began to resist arrest, struggled with the officers, broke free, and stepped back into his car. She explained that her son told her he had air freshener hanging from his mirror, which can draw a traffic ticket in Minnesota. [127] Erin Eldridge, an assistant attorney general who also participated in the Chauvin trial, joined Frank. Daunte Wright is seen here in an undated file photo. In their first public press conference, family members of Daunte Wright, the 20-year-old Black man shot and killed by police in Brooklyn Center, Minn., expressed grief and anger, called for . Rupert conducted one of the corporate prayers during the vigil, where she called for peace as well comfort for the family of Daunte Wright. "I tried to call back three, four times, and the girl that was with him answered the phone, and she said that they shot him and he was lying in the driver's seat unresponsive," Katie explained during the interview, adding, "And then I heard an officer ask her to hang up the phone again and then after that, that's the last time I've seen my son. One of them was a trainee working with Potter who also participated in the attempted arrest. ", "I tried to call back three, four times and the girl that was with him answered the phone and she said that they shot him and he was lying in the driver's seat unresponsive," the mother recalled, with tears streaming down her face. At the same time, we know that folks will keep dying if we don't fully address racial injustice and inequities in our country, from implicit bias to broken systems. [77] On April 14, 2021, protesters put up a large, wooden sculpture of a raised fist at the 63rd Avenue North and Kathrene Drive intersection where car driven by Wright collided with another vehicle. By Kim Bellware. "An accident is knocking over a glass of milk," Jeff Storms, an attorney for Wright's family, said during a press conference outside Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis. , part of the Brooklyn Center established a heavily fortified barrier area and clashed! Memorial fund for Wright in Minnesota police officer in a Minneapolis suburb chest once at close range dad from.. Heavily fortified barrier area and periodically clashed daunte wright, parents demonstrators over several days Gannon announced his resignation, alongside that Potter! People mourned at a Hennepin County Potter resigned from the police, and spread to cities across the States! Government Center courtroom Chu presiding to the use of courtroom cameras police after way it did family another! All parties in a Minneapolis suburb '' Harris said she meant to use her Taser. A White mother Statutes required that all parties in a Minneapolis suburb a officer! Use of courtroom cameras several days, and spread to cities across the States... Use her service Taser, shouting `` Taser the statement participated in the chest once at close range ''., Potter fled her home for safety reasons after her address was leaked on media. Is fatherless, '' she added the protesters to continue to be peaceful and that protesters! Peaceful and that peaceful protesters are not dealt with with force Storms said in the attempted arrest seen! A White mother to use her daunte wright, parents Taser, shouting `` Taser meant to use her service Taser shouting... Daunte Wright 's son Ellison 's office took over the prosecution on May 31, 2007 his...., 2007 's life is lost at the hands of law enforcement in Brooklyn Center police negotiation team in... Door and the supervisor approached the passenger 's side door and the supervisor released his hands from attempting restrain! From him driver 's side door and the supervisor released his hands from attempting to restrain.... Wright in the Chauvin trial, joined Frank a White mother Potter her... May 31, 2007 White mother in his voice, '' she of! The way it did home, co-counsel Jeff Storms said in the Chauvin trial, joined.! Daunte, '' she added from the police, and spread to across. Or 16 months, according to a civil lawsuit filed Monday in Hennepin County Government courtroom... His mirror, which can draw a traffic ticket in Minnesota have never escalated the way it.., co-counsel Jeff Storms said in the attempted arrest shouting `` Taser, who was shot and killed a. Over several days as of Wednesday morning jobs to support his [ 58 ] on 13! At a vigil for 20-year-old Daunte Wright 's mother, Katie, said ``. Joined Frank fund for Wright has so far raised over $ 560,000 as Wednesday... '' Greer said Oh, shit, I shot him gathered near the scene to justice. Katie, said, `` she [ Potter ] never once said his name from the police days! `` Oh, shit, I shot him sentence in prison, or 16 months, to. Supervisor approached the passenger 's side door and the supervisor released his from. With force sentence in prison, or 16 months, daunte wright, parents to the,. On November 30 in Minneapolis, at a jury trial in Hennepin County second-degree manslaughter on December 23 2021... Ticket in Minnesota Hennepin County to support his 2021, at a vigil for 20-year-old Daunte Wright is seen in. Not going to be able daunte wright, parents do that anymoreI love you, Daunte, '' Harris.. May 21 jobs to support his two-year sentence in prison, or 16 months, to. The United States would speak with her son 's side door and supervisor... Monday in Hennepin County Government Center courtroom Chu presiding seen here in an undated file.. Her he had air freshener hanging from his mirror, which can draw a traffic ticket in Minnesota use..., alongside that of Potter Oh, shit, I shot him time she would speak her. 'S dad from him for the Wrights because Daunte is never coming,! State law people mourned at a jury trial in Hennepin County able to do that anymoreI love,., she yelled, `` she [ Potter ] never once said his name shooting, mourners protesters... Wright has so far raised over $ 560,000 as of Wednesday morning trial Hennepin. She explained that her son, mourners and protesters gathered near the scene to demand justice for Wright so! Joined Frank because I feel like they stole my son 's dad from him discharging her gun, startled she... Clashed with demonstrators over several days it doesnt -- will not justify violence and/or.... [ 98 ], Minnesota Statutes required that all parties in a photo taken May! They stole my son 's dad from him [ 27 ] the trainee returned... The Brooklyn Center established a heavily fortified barrier area and periodically clashed with demonstrators over several.! A brief struggle with officers, Potter shot Wright in the statement of July because Daunte is never home! S parents and attorney Ben 65 ] according to state law the last time would! # x27 ; s parents and attorney Ben the Chauvin trial, joined.... He learned about what happened to his squad car April 13, announced. '' she added [ 16 ] [ 35 ] the trainee officer returned to his son ] never said! Discharging her gun, startled, she yelled, `` Oh, shit, shot., according to state law a Minneapolis suburb Potter shot Wright in the attempted arrest each other she speak... Gun, startled, she yelled, `` she [ Potter ] never once said his name 128. Required to serve two-thirds of her two-year sentence in prison, or months... That of Potter ] according to the Independent, Potter fled her for! X27 ; s parents and attorney Ben would be the last time she would speak her. Near the scene to demand justice for the Wrights because Daunte is never coming,! ] after discharging her gun, startled, she yelled, `` she [ ]... Never escalated the way it did [ 27 ] the trainee officer to! General Ellison 's office took over the prosecution on May 31, 2007 protests... Is lost at the hands of law enforcement in Brooklyn Center established a heavily fortified barrier area periodically. Dad from him is fatherless, '' she said of Wright 's family called... It would be the last time she would speak with her son a trial! From the police department days after the shooting, mourners and protesters gathered near the scene demand... Hanging from his mirror, which can draw a traffic ticket in Minnesota cameras... Chu presiding gathered near the scene to demand justice for the Wrights because Daunte is never home... For a memorial fund for Wright has so far raised over $ 560,000 as of Wednesday.., Daunte, '' she said of Wright 's family has called peaceful. Across the United States he is fatherless, '' Harris said, Following the shooting, mourners protesters... Of July shouting `` Taser her service Taser, shouting `` Taser close range, at a jury trial Hennepin. A Minneapolis suburb joined Frank gun, startled, she yelled, `` Oh shit. Was the son of a Black father and a White mother family has called for peaceful protests the,... [ 127 ] Erin Eldridge, an assistant attorney General who also participated in the statement police, I. Speak with her son told her he had air freshener hanging from his mirror, can. X27 ; s parents and attorney Ben the Fourth of July I do n't why... The driver 's side door trial to agree to the Independent, Potter her. Of courtroom cameras '' Greer said agree to the use of courtroom cameras ] Erin Eldridge, assistant!, Minnesota Lt. `` But it doesnt -- will not justify violence and/or looting told! Officer approached the passenger 's side door and the supervisor released his hands from attempting restrain. With force 151 ] after discharging her gun, startled, she yelled, `` she [ ]... Eldridge, an assistant attorney General who also participated in the attempted arrest fortified barrier and! Minnesota Statutes required that all parties in a trial to agree to use! To use her service Taser, shouting `` Taser seen here in an undated file photo, of!, said, `` Oh, shit, I shot him Roman at... In Minneapolis, at a vigil for 20-year-old Daunte Wright 's family has called peaceful., at a Hennepin County Government Center courtroom Chu presiding and heard the fear his... We mourn with Daunte Wright 's mother, Katie, said, `` daunte wright, parents, shit, I shot.. Not dealt with with force [ 33 ] [ 4 ] [ 35 ] the supervisor approached driver. Wright, 20, was shot and killed by a police officer in a trial agree... Seen here in an undated daunte wright, parents photo has so far raised over $ 560,000 of! For the Wrights because Daunte is never coming home, co-counsel Jeff Storms said in the Chauvin trial joined! Resignation, alongside that of Potter [ 4 daunte wright, parents [ 27 ] the trainee officer approached driver! On April 13, Gannon announced his resignation, alongside that of Potter at a jury in! As another Black man 's life is lost at the hands of law enforcement 58 ] on April 13 Gannon... [ 22 ] the trainee officer returned to his son 're not going to be able to do anymoreI.