Jump to content

Killing of Daunte Wright

Coordinates: 45°04′09.3″N 93°20′27.9″W / 45.069250°N 93.341083°W / 45.069250; -93.341083
This is a good article. Click here for more information.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Killing of Dante Wright)

Killing of Daunte Wright
Body camera image of Kim Potter holding a gun during the arrest of Daunte Wright
Footage from Kimberly Potter's body camera of her holding a firearm during her shooting of Daunte Wright, April 11, 2021.
Map
Location of the incident in Brooklyn Center
LocationBrooklyn Center, Minnesota, U.S.
Coordinates45°04′09.3″N 93°20′27.9″W / 45.069250°N 93.341083°W / 45.069250; -93.341083
DateApril 11, 2021; 3 years ago (2021-04-11)
c. 2:00 p.m. CST (19:00 UTC)
Attack type
Homicide by shooting, manslaughter, police brutality
DeathsDaunte Demetrius Wright
InjuredAlayna Albrecht-Payton
PerpetratorKimberly Ann Potter[1]
VerdictGuilty on both counts
Convictions
TrialMN v. Potter 27-CR-21-7460[2]
Sentence2 years in prison (paroled after 1+13 years)
LitigationCivil lawsuits settled by Brooklyn Center:
  • Wright's family for $3.25 million
  • Albrecht-Payton for $350,000
  • Tim Gannon for $55,000

On April 11, 2021, Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old black American man, was fatally shot in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, by police officer Kimberly Potter during a traffic stop and attempted arrest for an outstanding warrant. After a brief struggle with officers, Potter shot Wright in the chest once at close range. Wright then drove off a short distance until his vehicle collided with another and hit a concrete barrier. An officer administered CPR to Wright; paramedics were unable to revive him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Potter said she meant to use her service Taser, shouting "Taser! Taser! Taser!" just before firing her service pistol instead.

The shooting sparked protests in Brooklyn Center and renewed ongoing demonstrations against police shootings in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area, leading to citywide and regional curfews. Demonstrations took place over several days, and spread to cities across the United States. Two days after the incident, Potter and Brooklyn Center police chief Tim Gannon resigned from their positions.

Potter was convicted of first-degree manslaughter and second-degree manslaughter at a jury trial in Hennepin County. She received a two-year sentence, of which she served 16 months incarcerated. Wright's family settled a wrongful death lawsuit with the City of Brooklyn Center for $3.25 million. The passenger in Wright's car, who was injured in the collision, settled a civil suit with the city for $350,000.

Public outrage over Wright's death, one of several high-profile police killings of black Americans in the early 2020s, helped advance discussion of police reform measures. In Brooklyn Center, the police department changed its policy on arresting people for misdemeanor offenses and city council introduced alternative public safety measures, but several proposed reforms failed to be implemented. In Minnesota and elsewhere in the United States, Wright's death led to changes in Taser procedures and other policing policies.

People involved

[edit]
Image of Daunte Wright wearing a red shirt and looking at a camera
Daunte Wright.

Daunte Demetrius Wright was a 20-year-old living in Minneapolis, having moved there from Chicago.[3][4][5] He was the son of a black father and a white mother.[6][7] Wright played basketball in high school, but according to his father, he dropped out due to a learning disability about two years before the shooting.[8] He worked in retail and fast-food jobs to support his almost-two-year-old son, and had enrolled in a vocational school.[8][9][10][11]

At the time of the shooting, Kimberly Ann Potter, a white woman from Champlin, Minnesota, was a 48-year-old police officer in the Brooklyn Center Police Department, and a mother of two sons.[12][13][14] She had worked for the department since 1995, shortly after finishing at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota a year prior in 1994.[12][13] Potter, a field training officer, was training a new officer at the time of the incident.[15][13] She had completed annual re-certifications for her weapons with her most recent Taser certification having been completed on March 2, 2021.[16][17]

Alayna Albrecht-Payton, a 20-year-old resident of Saint Paul, Minnesota,[18] and Wright's girlfriend, was sitting in the passenger's seat of the vehicle and was injured in the crash.[19] Two other Brooklyn Center police officers were involved in the traffic stop. One of them was a trainee working with Potter who also participated in the attempted arrest.[20]

Incident

[edit]
Key:
1
Wright pulled over, shot
2
Wright crashed car, pronounced dead
External videos
video icon Raw footage of the shooting from Potter's body camera on YouTube (56 s)

Traffic stop

[edit]

On April 11, 2021, Wright was driving with Albrecht-Payton in a white 2011 Buick LaCrosse that was registered to his brother.[21][22] They were on their way to a car wash.[23] Kimberly Potter was a passenger in a patrol car with a trainee officer who observed Wright's vehicle signaling a right turn while it was in a left-turning lane.[23] The trainee officer also noticed that the vehicle had an expired registration tag on its license plate and had an air freshener hanging from the car's rearview mirror, a violation of Minnesota law.[23] At 1:53 p.m. local time,[20] the trainee officer initiated a traffic stop of Wright's vehicle on 63rd Avenue North near Orchard Avenue[24] and called for backup.[23][20]

After pulling the vehicle over, the trainee officer approached Wright's vehicle.[20] Wright provided his name[25] but did not have a driver's license or proof-of-insurance card.[21] The trainee officer returned to his squad car. Meanwhile, Wright phoned his mother.[23] Potter's supervisor arrived on the scene, and the officers ran Wright's name through a police database.[11] They learned he had an open arrest warrant for failing to appear in court on a gross misdemeanor weapons violation for carrying a gun without a permit,[26][23] and that there was a protective order against him by an unnamed woman.[27] The officers decided to arrest Wright and ensure the passenger was not the same woman who had the protective order against him.[28]

Police body camera footage showed Potter, her supervisor, and the trainee officer approaching the car.[29][28] The trainee officer[20] approached the driver's side door and the supervisor approached the passenger's side door.[29][20] Potter, who was acting as a field training officer, initially stood back.[20] The trainee officer informed Wright that there was a warrant for his arrest.[20] He opened the driver's side door and Wright stepped out of the car. The car door remained open while Wright put his hands behind his back and the trainee officer attempted to put on handcuffs.[30]

After several moments, Potter approached Wright and the trainee and unsnapped her handgun holster.[29][31] She grabbed a piece of paper from the trainee with her right hand, then moved it to her left hand.[20] Wright, who was unarmed, began to resist arrest, struggled with the officers, broke free, and stepped back into his car.[1][20] The supervisor had the passenger's side door open, and reached inside to prevent Wright from putting the car in gear.[23] The trainee officer on the driver's side attempted to prevent Wright from obtaining control of the steering wheel.[23][28] Potter, who had her Taser holstered on her left side and her gun on her right, said, "I'll tase you," and then at 2:02 p.m.[16] yelled, "Taser! Taser! Taser!"[32][33][34] The supervisor released his hands from attempting to restrain Wright.[27] A second later Potter then discharged her firearm, instead of her Taser, a single time using her right hand. The bullet struck Wright in the chest.[35][16]

Potter's pistol, a Glock 9 mm model, was entirely black,[36] partially made of metal,[37] and weighed 2.11 pounds (0.96 kg) when loaded.[38] Her Taser, made of plastic, was mostly yellow,[39][40][36] and weighed 0.94 pounds (0.43 kg).[30][41][38] Potter was holding her gun for 5.5 seconds before discharging it.[42][8] Immediately after shooting Wright, she was still holding the piece of paper with her left hand.[20][43]

As Wright sped off in his vehicle, body camera footage recorded as Potter said to the other officers, "Oh shit, I just shot him."[44][a] Potter continued, "I grabbed the wrong fucking gun", as she collapsed to the curb and placed her head in her hands.[28][45][35] She later added, "I'm going to prison. I just killed a boy."[28][45]

Car crash

[edit]
A group of people gather on a sidewalk along a street. There are candles, flowers, and a large, wooden fist sculpture.
On April 12, 2021, people gather the at the location of Wright's death the day prior.

Wright, who had driven off after being shot,[46][16] traveled for about 470 feet (140 m) when his vehicle collided with another near the intersection of 63rd Avenue North and Kathrene Drive.[47][48] After the crash, one officer approached Wright's vehicle with a gun drawn.[49] Another officer checked Wright's pulse and after detecting one administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while they awaited the arrival of paramedics.[49] Upon arrival the paramedic crew took over Wright's care, but further attempts to revive him were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:18 p.m., 16 minutes after being shot.[50][49] Albrecht-Payton, the passenger in Wright's vehicle, was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No one in the other vehicle was injured.[51][52][18]

Investigations and criminal charges

[edit]

Brooklyn Center police response

[edit]
Police officers standing outside the Brooklyn Center police station following the shooting
Brooklyn Center Police Station, April 12, 2021.

On the morning of April 12, Brooklyn Center police chief Tim Gannon held a press conference and played a clip of the body camera footage.[53] He said Potter intended to use a Taser on Wright, but pulled out and discharged her gun instead.[54][55] Potter was placed on administrative leave by the Brooklyn Center police pending further investigation.[29][56]

On April 13, Potter and Gannon submitted their resignations to the Brooklyn Center police department, with Potter's letter stating that it was "in the best interest of the community, the department, and my fellow officers if I resign immediately".[57] The Brooklyn Center City Council had recommended their firing during an emergency meeting on April 12.[58] According to The Independent, Potter fled her home for safety reasons after her address was leaked on social media.[59] Police established a security presence around the house and erected cement barricades and fencing.[60][61]

State and county investigation

[edit]

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) launched an investigation into the killing of Wright on April 12, per standard procedure, and released Potter's name as the officer who shot Wright.[29][62][54] 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 as the result of a gunshot wound of the chest.[63] 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.[29] Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott called on Governor Tim Walz to reassign the case to the office of the State Attorney General Keith Ellison.[64]

Arrest and criminal charges

[edit]
Police officers standing outside the Brooklyn Center police station following the shooting
Protesters and Minnesota National Guard troops at the Brooklyn Center Police Station the night of April 14, 2021.

The Washington County Attorney's Office charged Potter on April 14 with second-degree manslaughter, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 609.205, a felony offense entailing "culpable negligence creating unreasonable risk" that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years incarceration and/or a $20,000 fine.[65][34][30] The criminal complaint against Potter stated that she caused Wright's death "by her culpable negligence," whereby she "created an unreasonable risk and consciously took a chance of causing death or great bodily harm" to Wright.[30]

After her indictment, Potter was arrested, booked into a Hennepin County jail and released a few hours later after posting a $100,000 bail bond.[66][67] Potter briefly made her first court appearance via Zoom on April 15 before Hennepin County Judge Regina Chu.[68] Potter was represented by Earl Gray, a Saint Paul-based attorney who also defended Thomas Lane and Jeronimo Yanez, who were involved with the killings of George Floyd and Philando Castile, respectively.[69]

After making a charging decision, the Washington County Attorney's Office returned the case to Hennepin County. State Attorney General Ellison's office, at the request of Hennepin County Attorney Michael O. Freeman, agreed to take over prosecution of the case.[70] Ellison's office on September 2 added the charge of first-degree manslaughter, predicated on reckless use/handling of a firearm, a more serious charge than second-degree manslaughter and carrying a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine.[71]

Protests and unrest

[edit]
Protesters near the location where Wright was killed, facing a police officer in riot gear
Protesters gather near the location in Brooklyn Center where Wright died, on the evening of April 11, 2021.

Wright's death occurred during a period of national reckoning on racial injustice and police brutality sparked by the police murder of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020.[72] The criminal trial of Derek Chauvin, the police officer who killed Floyd, was about to enter its third week when Wright was fatally shot on Sunday, April 11, 2021, in Brooklyn Center, a suburban city adjacent to Minneapolis. Like Floyd's murder, Wright's death furthered public discussion about police training and accountability[72] and renewed focus on the Black Lives Matter movement.[73]

Following the shooting, mourners and protesters gathered near the scene to demand justice for Wright.[74][75][76] Several protesters came from another rally against police violence, organized by families of people who had been killed, earlier in the day in nearby Saint Paul, Minnesota.[77] Officers with riot control equipment arrived, formed, a line, and moved in when demonstrators began climbing on police vehicles and throwing bricks.[78][32][79] Police fired tear gas into the crowd and used non-lethal ammunition.[80] There were also reports of looting, damaged property, and vandalized police vehicles.[46] After the crowd moved to outside a police precinct, the police announced that the gathering was an unlawful assembly, and threatened arrest for anyone who did not leave. When the people did not disperse, police fired tear gas, flashbangs, and rubber bullets.[81][82] Mayor Mike Elliott imposed a curfew until 6 a.m. the next morning and closed schools for the following day.[82][83] The next day, April 12, protests spread to nearby locations in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area and then to other cities in the United States.[75] Governor Tim Walz implemented another curfew in several counties spanning the night of April 12 through the morning of April 13 and deployed the Minnesota National Guard while Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey declared a state of emergency and a citywide curfew.[84][85][86][87]

Protesters on the street outside the Brooklyn Center police department as law enforcement stand on the other side of a fence
Protest at Brooklyn Center police station, April 12, 2021.

Protests, civil unrest, curfews, and clashes with police continued for the next several days in Brooklyn Center and around Minneapolis-Saint Paul. Law enforcement in Brooklyn Center established a heavily fortified barrier area and periodically clashed with demonstrators.[88][89] Air fresheners became a symbol at protests and rallies over Wright's death, referring to one of the violations police alleged Wright committed the day of the shooting.[90][91] Protesters demanded justice for Wright's death and made several demands of public officials, including a murder charge for Potter, an independent investigation of the shooting, and enactment of police reform measures.[55] In media interviews, Wright's family thanked people for protesting and advocating for justice and encouraged people to protest peacefully.[92][93] Demonstrations resumed during the trial of Kimberly Potter in late 2021.[94]

Reactions

[edit]

Public officials

[edit]
Mike Elliot, mayor of Brooklyn Center, speaking to the press
Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliot, April 20, 2021.

Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott issued several statements on social media and at press conferences beginning the evening of the incident, expressing sympathy, urging protesters to remain peaceful, and suggesting that Potter should be fired.[80][13] Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, and Senator Tina Smith made statements mourning Wright's death and commenting on the pattern of unarmed Black men killed by law enforcement.[95][96]

City Manager Curt Boganey was fired on April 12, giving Mayor Elliott command authority over the city police force.[97][98] The following day, Police Chief Tim Gannon announced his resignation, alongside that of Potter.[99][100]

President Joe Biden said about the incident and unrest, "Peaceful protest is understandable. And the fact is that we do know that the anger, pain and trauma that exists in Black community in that environment is real – it's serious, and it's consequential. But that does not justify violence. We should listen to Daunte's mom who is calling for peace and calm."[101] Vice President Kamala Harris said "Daunte's family ... needs answers" on Twitter.[102]

Public figures and institutions

[edit]
Angela Rose Myers, Minnesota NAACP president speaks to the press near the Brooklyn Center police station
Minnesota NAACP president Angela Rose Myers, April 14, 2021

The NAACP released a statement saying "Whether it be carelessness and negligence, or a blatant modern-day lynching, the result is the same. Another Black man has died at the hands of police."[103] Angela Rose Myers, president of the organization's Minnesota chapter, said at a press conference, “Black leaders are not playing, we are done dying in Minnesota.”[104]

Referring to controversy surrounding traffic stops due to small objects dangling from rear-view mirrors,[91] 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."[105][106]

Former President Barack Obama tweeted that "Our hearts are heavy over yet another shooting of a Black man, Daunte Wright, at the hands of police. It's important to conduct a full and transparent investigation, but this is also a reminder of just how badly we need to reimagine policing and public safety in this country."[107][108] Al Sharpton said: "You can die for having expired tags or for a phony 20 dollar bill or you may have not even known it was a phony 20 dollar bill. It wouldn't happen in any other community."[109]

Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis offered prayers and condolences to all parties concerned, adding: "While early indications point towards the shooting being accidental, I encourage allowing investigators from the [BCA] to complete a thorough investigation before coming to any personal judgments as to what occurred."[110]

The Minnesota Vikings released a statement which said in part: "This avoidable situation is yet another tragic reminder of the drastic need for change in law enforcement."[111] The Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Wild all postponed games on April 12.[112] At their game on April 13, the Timberwolves and the visiting Brooklyn Nets observed a moment of silence for Daunte Wright before the game while most players wore shirts that read "With Liberty and Justice FOR ALL".[113]

Chuck Valleau, head of the Brooklyn Center police union, said, "The death of Daunte Wright is terrible. And the loss of our co-worker Kimberly Potter is also terrible for what she's going through as well."[114]

Family

[edit]

Soon after the incident, Wright's mother spoke with reporters and said her son had phoned her during the traffic stop. 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.[62]

Wright's parents appeared on Good Morning America on April 13.[115][116] At a press conference the same day, his mother talked about seeing her son's body over FaceTime at a press conference on April 13.[117] The girlfriend of George Floyd was also one of Wright's former teachers, and attended the press conference for support. Floyd had been murdered during an arrest by Derek Chauvin of the Minneapolis Police Department on May 25, 2020. Relatives of at least six black men killed by the police and a family member of Emmett Till, who was lynched in Money, Mississippi, in 1955, were also present.[115]

Memorials and funeral

[edit]
A vigil for Wright near where he was killed. People standing around a circle on the ground where messages remembering Wright and calling for justice have been written in chalk.
Vigil for Wright on April 11, 2021, down the road from where he was killed.

The evening of April 11, 2021, mourners and protesters held an evening vigil for Wright near the Brooklyn Center location where he was killed.[74] 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 the car driven by Wright collided with another vehicle.[118][47] The sculpture had been displayed previously at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, but it was replaced there by a version made of metal.[96] People also placed memorials for Wright at the location he was shot and the location where he was pronounced dead.[22]

Wright's funeral was held in Minneapolis on April 22, 2021. In attendance were relatives of Breonna Taylor, Philando Castile, and Oscar Grant—black Americans who had been killed by police over the past dozen years—and the family of Emmett Till, a black American who was lynched in 1955. The eulogy was delivered by Al Sharpton and jazz musician Keyon Harrold played an instrumental piece. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, and U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar attended the service.[119] Walz issued a Minnesota proclamation that declared a moment of silence to coincide with the 12 p.m. start of the funeral.[120]

In late 2023, the City of Brooklyn Center completed construction of a permanent memorial to Wright at 63rd Avenue North and Kathrene Drive to replace the fist sculpture and makeshift memorial that emerged soon after his death.[121]

Criminal trial

[edit]
Demonstrators outside Hennepin County Government Center, December 11, 2021.

Pre-trial proceedings

[edit]

Prosecutors filed the criminal case in Hennepin County District Court on April 14, 2021, as the State of Minnesota vs. Kimberly Potter.[122] Prior to the start of the case, on November 2, Judge Chu ruled that defense attorneys would be allowed to introduce evidence of "slip and capture" errors, a kind of human error that occurs in times of high stress.[123] Trial proceedings began on November 30 in Minneapolis, at a Hennepin County Government Center courtroom Chu presiding.[124]

The Minnesota Attorney General's office served as the prosecution with Matthew Frank, an assistant attorney general, as the lead prosecutor. Frank was also the lead prosecutor in the trial of Derek Chauvin.[50] Erin Eldridge, an assistant attorney general who also participated in the Chauvin trial, joined Frank.[125] Amanda Montgomery, Paul Engh and Earl Gray represented Potter. Engh and Gray were part of the legal defense fund supplied by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association.[125]

Minnesota Statutes required that all parties in a trial to agree to the use of courtroom cameras. At the request of Potter's attorneys, Chu ruled on August 5 that cameras would not to be permitted in the courtroom.[126] 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. Chu also said her revised ruling was unrelated to a November 6 demonstration that occurred outside a house that protesters believed was Chu's.[127]

Trial proceedings

[edit]
Potter's Taser, at left, is yellow with a black grip and her handgun, at right, is smaller and all black.
Image shown at Potter's trial of her Taser (left) and her handgun (right).

Selection for the trial's twelve jurors and two alternative jurors took place from November 30 to December 3.[50][128] Nine of the twelve jurors seated were white, similar to the demographics of Hennepin County, one was black and two were Asian, with the jury evenly split between men and women.[129][130]

Opening statements in the trial began on December 8.[124] Throughout the trial, the prosecution argued that Potter neglected training on use of her Taser and discharged her gun recklessly when she killed Wright. The defense argued that Wright resisted arrest, which contributed to a "slip and capture" error. Expert witnesses for the defense testified that Potter had the legal authority to fire either a gun or Taser. Potter testified in her defense, claiming that she mistook her gun for a Taser and admitting to fatally shooting Wright. She also said that she never observed Wright with a gun and that he was not being violent or making verbal threats during the arrest.[43]

Attorneys gave closing arguments on December 20 and the jury, which was ordered to be sequestered, began deliberations by midday.[131][132]

Verdict and sentence

[edit]
Kimberly Potter's booking photo, with Potter smiling, looking at the camera
Kimberly Potter jail booking photo, December 23, 2021.

After deliberating for 27 hours over four days, the jury found Potter guilty of first-degree manslaughter and second-degree manslaughter on December 23.[133][134] Following the verdict, Potter was taken into custody and transferred to the state's Women's Correctional Facility in Shakopee.[133][135]

Potter's sentencing hearing was held on February 18, 2022. Wright's mother, father, two siblings and the mother of his only child gave victim impact statements prior to Potter's sentencing being read. Wright's mother, Katie, said, "she [Potter] never once said his name. And for that I'll never be able to forgive you," addressing Potter.[136] She continued, "I'll never be able to forgive you for what you've stolen from us."[136] Potter, during her statement prior to the sentencing being read, apologized to Wright's family and to the community of Brooklyn Center, saying Wright "is not more than one thought away from my heart, and I have no right for that, for him to be in my heart."[137]

Potter was sentenced to two years in prison, serving sixteen months with eight months of supervised release.[138] The typical sentence for first-degree manslaughter in Minnesota is more than seven years in prison, with a maximum set at fifteen years.[11] 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.[139] Despite initially arguing that the case had such factors which would justify a longer sentence, the prosecution stated in court on the day of the sentencing that the typical sentence would be appropriate.[140] 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.[11][140] Chu expressed that it was "one of the saddest cases I’ve had on my 20 years on the bench".[141]

In late 2022, the Minnesota Board of Pardons declined to consider Potter's application to have her sentence commuted.[142] On April 24, 2023, Potter was released from prison, after serving 16 months of a two-year sentence. Minnesota Department of Corrections officials released her before dawn at 4:00 a.m. to avoid potential protests and after they received threats directed at Potter and her family. Potter's sentence required that she remain on supervised release for the remaining third of her sentence until its expiration on December 21, 2023.[143][144][145]

Civil lawsuits

[edit]
A memorial for Daunte Wright featuring artwork, signs, and messages about Wright and in support of the Black Lives Matter movement
Makeshift memorial to Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, December 9, 2021.

Wright's family hired civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, who represented the family of George Floyd in a settlement with the City of Minneapolis.[146] They also obtained representation from attorneys Anthony Romanucci and Jeff Storms.[147] In mid 2022, the City of Brooklyn Center settled a lawsuit brought by Wright's family and agreed to pay $3.25 million to them, the third largest civil rights wrongful death settlement in Minnesota, and the largest outside of Minneapolis. Terms of the settlement required the city to make changes to policing policies and improve office training, and to establish a permanent memorial to Wright at the site of a temporary one that emerged in the days after his death.[148][147]

Alayna Albrecht-Payton, the passenger in Wright's vehicle during the incident, filed a civil lawsuit against the city of Brooklyn Center. Albrecht-Payton had suffered a broken jaw when Wright's vehicle crashed. Her lawsuit said she experienced permanent physical injuries and psychological distress from the incident.[19] The city settled the lawsuit with Albrecht-Payton in early 2023 for $350,000.[149]

Wright's family returned to court in 2023 to resolve a dispute over the size of attorney fees and the distribution of settlement money. A judge ordered that Wright's son would receive a majority of the settlement, other family members would receive a partial distribution of it, and that attorney fees would be limited.[150][151] As part of the prior civil settlement with Wright's family, the City of Brooklyn Center in mid 2023 commissioned a permanent, public memorial at 63rd Avenue North and Kathrene Drive at a cost of $243,000 to replace the makeshift one that emerged soon after his death.[152][153]

Former police chief Tim Gannon settled a lawsuit with the city of Brooklyn Center for $55,000. Gannon did not immediately fire Potter from the police force in the immediate aftermath of Wright's death and he was given the option to either resign or be terminated. Gannon opted to resigned, but his lawsuit claimed he was denied due process.[154]

Impact on policing

[edit]

In Brooklyn Center

[edit]
A protest sign with the words "defund / disband / no more cops"
Protest sign at a demonstration in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, April 14, 2021.

A month of his death, the city council passed an ordinance named after Daunte Wright and Kobe Dimock-Heisler, another black man who had been killed in an encounter with city police prior to Wright.[155] The ordinance established a committee to help lead reform efforts.[156] Proposed measures included creating unarmed traffic enforcement and community response teams, and prohibiting arrests or vehicle searches in certain traffic-related encounters. Wright's family believed that had such policies been in place when he was stopped by police, he would not have been killed.[155]

Brooklyn Center officials announced a new policy in late 2021 to cite and release criminal offenders for misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor charges rather than take people into immediate custody. Under the policy, police officers would still be able to make an arrest if an offender posed a safety threat.[157] The city's council also passed a $1.3 million plan for alternative public safety programs, such as the use of unarmed workers to enforce nonmoving traffic violations and mental health response teams—$303,114 of the project's budget came from eliminating three police officer positions.[158]

Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliot, who was a Liberian refugee, gained widespread attention in the aftermath of Wright's death and during the response to civil unrest. The public safety and police reform plan he put forward after Wright's death became a source of political controversy as it ultimately failed to be enacted into city law. Elliot was defeated in a re-election bid in the 2022 Minnesota elections by April Graves who criticized Elliot for failing to seek greater public input on police reform.[159] Several years after Wright's death, several proposed reforms to police policy in Brooklyn Center had yet to be implemented.[160][156] In January 2024, the city council rejected a resolution that would limited situations when police officers could initiate a traffic stop, such as for expired vehicle registration and for broken or inoperable components on the car.[161]

Elsewhere in the United States

[edit]
Demonstrators march in the street. One person holds as sign with the words, "There is no reforming a system designed to kill".
Protest sign at a demonstration in Berkeley, California, April 12, 2021.

According to the Star Tribune, by April 2021 there had been 16 known cases, including Potter's killing of Wright, when a police officer in the United States fired a pistol at someone but claimed to have intended to use a Taser instead.[20] Other notable incidents included a 2002 shooting in Rochester, Minnesota,[162] 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.[163] In two other situations compared to Potter—a 2018 shooting in Lawrence, Kansas, and a 2018 shooting in New Hope, Pennsylvania—officers had shouted "Taser" before firing their guns.[164][165][166][167] In the days after Wright's death, the police departments of Roeland Park, Kansas,[168] and St. Ann, Missouri,[169] made changes to their Taser policies, with Roeland Park police saying they would cross draw Tasers with "no exceptions", and St. Ann police saying they would only use yellow Tasers and require officers to carry them opposite their main weapon.[168][169] In Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz and Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter called for measures to better distinguish Tasers and firearms, as part of comprehensive police reform.[163]

As one of several high-profile police killings of black Americans in the early 2020s, Wright's death led to the enactment of new laws and policies designed to restrict police use of lethal force and provide greater civilian oversight of policing.[170] Minneapolis police announced they would not make traffic stops for minor infractions, such as expired vehicle tags or having objects hanging on mirrors.[171] The Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training approved in 2022 new rules to revoke officer licenses for conduct violations.[172] In Illinois, state laws allowing officers to pull vehicles over for minor infractions faced scrutiny,[173] and the Illinois General Assembly enacted an "air freshener" law, effective January 1, 2024, that prohibits law enforcement from conducting a traffic stop for an object hanging from a rearview mirror.[174][175]

Some activists advocated for more even ambitious reform measures, such as abolishing or defunding the police.[170][176] By the end of 2022, momentum behind police reform measures waned in many U.S. states.[177] Law enforcement killings in the United States totaled at least 1,176 people in 2022, the deadliest year since a national database was created in 2013.[178] Perry Bacon Jr., an opinion columnist with The Washington Post, argued in early 2023 that the protest movement of the law enforcement killings of black Americans failed to reduce such incidents and that both bold policy changes and more incremental reforms to policing had not been realized.[179]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ The Star Tribune says Potter said, "Holy shit! I just shot him."[20]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Bogel-Burroughs, Nicholas; Bosman, Julie (April 13, 2021). "Police Officer Who Shot and Killed Daunte Wright Was Training Others". The New York Times . Archived from the original on April 17, 2021. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
  2. ^ "Minnesota v. Potter. Amended Complaint" (PDF). Minnesota Judicial Branch. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 8, 2021. Retrieved December 12, 2021.
  3. ^ "BCA Identifies Officer in Brooklyn Center Shooting Incident". Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  4. ^ Lavoie, Denise (April 14, 2021). "Daunte Wright: Doting dad, ballplayer, slain by police". Associated Press. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
  5. ^ Sullivan, Becky; Romo, Vanessa (April 12, 2021). "Officer Who Fatally Shot Daunte Wright With 'Accidental Discharge' Is Identified". National Public Radio. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  6. ^ Stafford, Zach (April 15, 2021). "Daunte Wright's death proves a more interracial America can't protect us". MSNBC. Archived from the original on May 11, 2021. Retrieved May 11, 2021.
  7. ^ Shapiro, Emily (April 22, 2021). "Daunte Wright's family gathers in Minneapolis for funeral: Recap". ABC News. Archived from the original on May 11, 2021. Retrieved May 11, 2021.
  8. ^ a b c Minnesota police officer who shot Daunte Wright apparently meant to use Taser but fired gun, police chief says Archived April 13, 2021, at the Wayback Machine, Washington Post, Kim Bellware, Andrea Salcedo, Sheila Regan, Jared Goyette, and Meryl Kornfield, April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 23, 2021.
  9. ^ "Daunte Wright called his mother right before he was shot. This is what he said". CNN. April 14, 2021. Archived from the original on April 17, 2021. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  10. ^ "What to Know About the Police Shooting of Daunte Wright". The New York Times. April 12, 2021. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021. The Hennepin County medical examiner concluded Monday that Mr. Wright 'died of a gunshot wound of the chest and manner of death is homicide.'
  11. ^ a b c d Bogel-Burroughs, Nicholas (February 18, 2022). "Kim Potter Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Killing Daunte Wright". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on February 18, 2022. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  12. ^ a b Walsh, Paul; Sawyer, Liz (April 12, 2021). "Officer who fatally shot man in Brooklyn Center is identified as 26-year veteran". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  13. ^ a b c d McEvoy, Jemima (April 13, 2021). "Here's What We Know About Kim Potter, The Minnesota Officer Who Shot Daunte Wright". Forbes. Archived from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  14. ^ Groves, Stephen (April 15, 2021). "Officer Kim Potter: from leader to defendant in Daunte Wright shooting". St. Paul Pioneer Press. Archived from the original on August 6, 2023. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  15. ^ Sanchez, Rosa; Winsor, Morgan; Alfonseca, Kiara; Pereira, Ivan (April 13, 2021). "Officer who fatally shot Daunte Wright during traffic stop meant to use Taser, police chief says". ABC News. Archived from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  16. ^ a b c d "Complaint: State of Minnesota vs. Kimberly Ann Potter (27-CR-21-7460)" (PDF). www.mncourts.gov. Minnesota District Court 4th Judicial District. September 2, 2021. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 3, 2021. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  17. ^ Sullivan, Becky (December 8, 2021). "Trial begins for ex-officer Kim Potter, who fatally shot Daunte Wright". National Public Radio. Archived from the original on December 9, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
  18. ^ a b Hyatt, Kim (August 1, 2022). "Daunte Wright's girlfriend sues Kim Potter for broken jaw, PTSD after shooting, crash". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on August 2, 2022. Retrieved August 1, 2022.
  19. ^ a b Rahman, Khaleda (April 12, 2021). "Daunte Wright's Girlfriend Was With Him When He Was Shot, His Mother Says". Newsweek. Archived from the original on April 16, 2021. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
  20. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Boone, Anna; DeLong, Matt; McKinney, Matt (April 15, 2021). "Breaking down the video: What happened during Daunte Wright's fatal traffic stop". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on April 16, 2021. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
  21. ^ a b Walsh, Paul; Xiong, Chao; Olson, Rochell (December 8, 2021). "Daunte Wright's mother testifies of distraught moments after shooting". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on December 8, 2021. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
  22. ^ a b Andrew, Buncombe (May 7, 2021). "What will happen to the George Floyd memorial – and all the others of Black men killed by Minneapolis police?". The Independent. Archived from the original on May 12, 2021. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  23. ^ a b c d e f g h Winter, Deena (December 8, 2021). "Lawyers lay out opposing views of police shooting that killed Daunte Wright". Minnesota Reformer. Archived from the original on December 8, 2021. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
  24. ^ "BCA investigating after Brooklyn Center officer shoots, kills driver during traffic stop". KSTP-TV. April 11, 2021. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  25. ^ Vera, Amir; Hanna, Jason; Holcombe, Madeline (April 15, 2021). "Protesters gather at Brooklyn Center police station hours after ex-officer is charged in the death of Daunte Wright". CNN. Archived from the original on April 6, 2023. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  26. ^ Betz, Bradford (April 13, 2021). "Daunte Wright accused of choking and robbing woman at gunpoint, had arrest warrant". Fox News. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  27. ^ a b Olson, Rochelle; Walsh, Paul; Xiong, Chao (December 10, 2021). "Kim Potter's former supervisor: Deadly force justified in Daunte Wright shooting". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on December 10, 2021. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
  28. ^ a b c d e Winter, Deena (December 10, 2021). "Kimberly Potter's former supervisor says it was legal for her to fire gun at Daunte Wright". Minnesota Reformer. Archived from the original on December 11, 2021. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
  29. ^ a b c d e f Navratil, Liz; Mannix, Andy (April 12, 2021). "Chief: Officer meant to use Taser, not firearm, on Daunte Wright". Star Tribune. Minneapolis, Minnesota. Archived from the original on April 13, 2021.
  30. ^ a b c d "Daunte Wright shooting: Read the criminal complaint against ex-officer Kim Potter". St. Paul Pioneer Press. April 15, 2021. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
  31. ^ Winter, Deena (December 13, 2021). "Taser, gun are focus of testimony in Potter trial". Minnesota Reformer. Archived from the original on December 14, 2021. Retrieved December 13, 2021.
  32. ^ a b Klecker, Mara; Hyatt, Kim; Sawyer, Liz; Mannix, Andy (April 12, 2021). "Brooklyn Center police fatally shoot man, 20, inflaming tensions during the Derek Chauvin trial". Star Tribune. Minneapolis, Minnesota. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  33. ^ Allen, Keith; Broaddus, Adrienne; Silverman, Hollie; Sutton, Joe (April 12, 2021). "Minnesota officer shouted 'Taser!' but fired a gun instead, fatally shooting a man at a traffic stop, police say". CNN. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  34. ^ a b Bogel-Burroughs, Nicholas; Bosman, Julie (April 14, 2021). "The Minnesota officer who killed Daunte Wright was charged with manslaughter". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
  35. ^ a b Romo, Vanessa; Sullivan, Becky; Hernandez, Joe (December 21, 2021). "Kim Potter is found guilty of manslaughter in the death of Daunte Wright". National Public Radio. Archived from the original on January 18, 2023. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  36. ^ a b Bogel-Burroughs, Nicholas (December 20, 2021). "Key Moments in the Kimberly Potter Trial Over Daunte Wright's Death". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on January 3, 2022. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
  37. ^ Campbell, Josh; Berryman, Kim (December 7, 2021). "Inside one major police department's effort to prevent Taser mistakes". CNN. Archived from the original on December 8, 2021. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
  38. ^ a b Hayes, Mike (December 8, 2021). "Prosecutor says Potter's gun weighed "more than twice as much" as Taser". CNN. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
  39. ^ Alfonseca, Kiara (April 15, 2021). "Daunte Wright shooting: Other officers have mistaken their guns for stun guns". ABC News. Archived from the original on February 11, 2022. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
  40. ^ Hubler, Shawn; White, Jeremy (April 13, 2021). "How Could an Officer Mistake a Gun for a Taser?". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on February 14, 2022. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
  41. ^ Siemaszko, Corky (April 13, 2021). "How a veteran officer could have mistaken a Glock for a Taser in the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright". NBC News. Archived from the original on April 18, 2021. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
  42. ^ Collins, Jon; Moini, Nina; Sepic, Matt (December 8, 2021). "Kimberly Potter trial: Emotions high as video of Wright killing plays in court". Minnesota Public Radio. Archived from the original on December 8, 2021. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
  43. ^ a b Walsh, Paul; Xiong, Chao; Olson, Rochelle (December 17, 2021). "Kimberly Potter defense rests; closing arguments set for Monday". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on December 18, 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  44. ^ "The Cop Who Killed Daunte Wright Meant To Tase Him But Accidentally Fired Her Gun, Police Said". BuzzFeed News. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  45. ^ a b Keller, Aaron (December 8, 2021). "Prosecutor Scolds Kimberly Potter for Killing Daunte Wright: 'There Is No Do-Over When You Walk the Streets with a Loaded Firearm'". Law & Crime. Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  46. ^ a b "One dead in police shooting in Brooklyn Center; tear gas deployed to clear protesters". Minnesota Public Radio. April 11, 2021. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  47. ^ a b "Protesters Clash With Police In Brooklyn Center After Deadly Officer-Involved Shooting". WCCO-TV. April 12, 2021. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  48. ^ "Police killing of Daunte Wright in Minnesota sparks protests". CNN. April 12, 2021. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  49. ^ a b c Sandberg, Diane; Thiede, Dana; Fischer, Samantha (December 9, 2021). "Kim Potter Trial: Daunte Wright's girlfriend recalls fatal shooting; judge denies defense's motion for mistrial". KARE-TV. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  50. ^ a b c Bogel-Burroughs, Nicholas (November 30, 2021). "What to Know About Kimberly Potter's Trial for the Death of Daunte Wright". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 28, 2021. Retrieved November 30, 2021.
  51. ^ Ferkenhoff, Ryan W. Miller, Elinor Aspegren and Eric. "Protests erupt after death of Daunte Wright, 20-year-old Black man shot by police during traffic stop: What we know". USA Today. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 12, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  52. ^ "Protests erupt in Minneapolis suburb after deadly officer-involved shooting". CBS News. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  53. ^ WATCH: Brooklyn Center mayor holds press conference after police shooting of Daunte Wright, April 12, 2021, archived from the original on April 20, 2021, retrieved April 20, 2021
  54. ^ a b Sepic, Matt; Moini, Nina; Cox, Peter; Nelson, Tim (April 12, 2021). "Brooklyn Center chief: Cop meant to use Taser on Wright; curfew in effect in metro area". Minnesota Public Radio. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  55. ^ a b Dakss, Brian; Sundby, Alex; Freiman, Jordan (April 13, 2021). "Second night of unrest after fatal police shooting of Daunte Wright outside Minneapolis". CBS News. Archived from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  56. ^ Freiman, Jordan (April 12, 2021). "Officer who shot Daunte Wright identified". CBS News. Archived from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  57. ^ Bosman, Julie; Bogel-Burroughs, Nicholas (April 13, 2021). "The officer who fatally shot Daunte Wright just resigned, as did the chief of police". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  58. ^ Miller, Kevin (April 12, 2021). "Brooklyn Center City Council recommends firing police chief, officer after shooting". Sun Post. Archived from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  59. ^ Crump, James; Vallejo, Justin (April 13, 2021). "Daunte Wright news: Kim Potter flees home as unrest expected ahead of charging decision Wednesday". The Independent. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  60. ^ Hoffland, Brett (April 15, 2021). "Champlin neighbors react to heightened security at home of former officer Kim Potter". KSTP-TV. Archived from the original on March 21, 2023. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
  61. ^ Van Oot, Torey (April 19, 2021). "Minnesota city spent over $9,000 to protect home of former officer who shot Daunte Wright". Axios. Archived from the original on July 20, 2023. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
  62. ^ a b Allen, Jonathan (April 12, 2021). "Protests erupt after police shoot Black man in Minneapolis traffic stop". Reuters. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  63. ^ Nelson, Joe (April 12, 2021). "Medical examiner: Daunte Wright died of gunshot wound to the chest; manner of death homicide". Bring Me The News. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
  64. ^ Forgey, Quint (April 13, 2021). "Mayor asks for Minnesota attorney general to take up Daunte Wright shooting case". Politico. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
  65. ^ Wong, Wilson; Hampton, Deon J. (April 14, 2021). "Ex-officer Kim Potter to be charged with second-degree manslaughter in Daunte Wright case". NBC News. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  66. ^ "Former Brooklyn Center officer arrested, to be charged with manslaughter in Daunte Wright's death". KSTP-TV. April 14, 2021. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  67. ^ "Daunte Wright Shooting: Fmr. Officer Kim Potter Released From Jail Hours After Arrest For Manslaughter Charges". WCCO-TV. April 14, 2021. Archived from the original on December 29, 2021. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
  68. ^ Sullivan, Becky (April 15, 2021). "Officer Who Killed Daunte Wright Makes 1st Court Appearance In Manslaughter Case". National Public Radio. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
  69. ^ Sanchez, Ray (April 13, 2021). "Here's what we know about Kim Potter, the officer who fatally shot Daunte Wright". CNN. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  70. ^ Skluzacek, Josh (May 21, 2021). "AG Ellison's office to lead prosecution of officer charged in Daunte Wright's death". KSTP. Archived from the original on May 21, 2021. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  71. ^ Omastiak, Rebecca (September 2, 2021). "State adds 1st-degree manslaughter charge against former officer Kim Potter". KSTP-TV. Archived from the original on September 2, 2021. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  72. ^ a b Vinopal, Courtney (April 14, 2021). "What we know about Daunte Wright's killing, and what it says about policing in America". PBS News Hour. Archived from the original on April 16, 2023. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  73. ^ Allsop, Jon (April 13, 2021). "Daunte Wright, George Floyd, and a renewed focus on police brutality". Columbia Journalism Review. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  74. ^ a b Buncombe, Andrew (April 12, 2021). "Protesters demand justice over police shooting of 20-year-old Black man in Minneapolis suburbs". The Independent. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  75. ^ a b Sullivan, Becky (April 13, 2021). "Protests Grow In Minnesota And Around U.S. Over Death of Daunte Wright". National Public Radio. Archived from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  76. ^ Gottfried, Mara (April 12, 2021). "Hundreds ignore curfew to protest Daunte Wright shooting outside Brooklyn Center P.D." MSN. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  77. ^ Goyette, Jared; Salcedo, Andrea. "Police fatally shoot man, 20, in suburban Minneapolis, sparking protests". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  78. ^ Brown, Kyle (April 11, 2021). "Police shoot, kill driver during traffic stop in Brooklyn Center". KSTP-TV. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  79. ^ Belcamino, Kristi (April 11, 2021). "Man dies after being shot by police in Brooklyn Center; BCA investigating". St. Paul Pioneer Press. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  80. ^ a b Woltman, Nick; Belcamino, Kristi (April 11, 2021). "Police clash with protesters in Brooklyn Center after officer fatally shoots man during traffic stop". St. Paul Pioneer Press. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved June 15, 2021.
  81. ^ "Protesters Clash With Police In Brooklyn Center After Deadly Officer-Involved Shooting". WCCO-TV. April 11, 2021. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  82. ^ a b Allen, Keith; Broaddus, Adrienne; Silverman, Hollie; Sutton, Joe (April 12, 2021). "Minnesota National Guard deployed after protests over the police killing of a man during a traffic stop". CNN. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  83. ^ "One dead in police shooting in Brooklyn Center; tear gas deployed to clear protesters". Minnesota Public Radio. April 11, 2021. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  84. ^ Ailworth, Erin; West, Melanie Grayce; Winter, Deena (April 13, 2021). "Minneapolis Braces for Another Night of Unrest After Daunte Wright Shooting". Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  85. ^ "Nighttime curfew going into effect in metro area after Brooklyn Center officer fatally shoots man". MSN. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  86. ^ Dryden, Dene (April 12, 2021). "Curfew Set, Law Enforcement Presence Ramps Up in Twin Cities Metro After Sunday's Fatal Police Shooting, Rioting". KNSI. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  87. ^ Harlow, Tim (April 12, 2021). "Brooklyn Center mayor takes on oversight of police department, fires city manager". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  88. ^ Keith, Theo (April 16, 2021). "Walz: Tear gas in Brooklyn Center meant to avoid another police station burning". KMST-TV. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  89. ^ Craig, Tim; Bailey, Holly. "Minneapolis braces for unrest as Derek Chauvin trial enters final phase". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Archived from the original on April 19, 2021. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
  90. ^ Huppert, Boyd (April 16, 2021). "Air fresheners become a symbol following the death of Daunte Wright". KARE-TV. Archived from the original on April 17, 2021. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
  91. ^ a b Baker, Mike; Bogel-Burroughs, Nicholas (April 17, 2021). "How a Common Air Freshener Can Result in a High-Stakes Traffic Stop". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on April 17, 2021. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
  92. ^ Winsor, Morgan; Shapiro, Emily (April 13, 2021). "Daunte Wright's parents speak out after shooting in ABC News exclusive: 'He's never coming back'" (video). ABC News. New York, New York. Archived from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  93. ^ "'I Just Want My Baby Home': Mother Of Daunte Wright Speaks Out Following Brooklyn Center Police Shooting". WCCO-TV. April 12, 2021. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021.
  94. ^ "Driver forces car through crowd during Minneapolis protest on Kim Potter trial". KMSP-TV. November 30, 2021. Archived from the original on December 1, 2021. Retrieved November 30, 2021.
  95. ^ "Protesters Clash With Police In Brooklyn Center After Deadly Officer-Involved Shooting". April 12, 2021. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  96. ^ a b Chavez, Nicole; Broaddus, Adrienne (April 19, 2021). "Minnesota's Twin Cities are once again the national flashpoint over race and policing". CNN. Archived from the original on April 19, 2021. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  97. ^ "Daunte Wright shooting: Police chief resigns over black motorist's death". BBC News. April 13, 2021. Archived from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  98. ^ Shapiro, Emily (April 13, 2021). "Officer who shot, killed Daunte Wright and Brooklyn Center police chief both resign". ABC News. Archived from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  99. ^ "Live updates: Curfew begins in Twin Cities after Daunte Wright shooting, some demonstrators remain". KARE-TV. April 12, 2021. Archived from the original on May 24, 2021. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  100. ^ "Brooklyn Center City Council Recommends Firing Police Chief, Officer Immediately". CCX Media. Archived from the original on April 18, 2021. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
  101. ^ Collins, Michael. "Biden calls for 'peace and calm' after Daunte Wright shooting sparks protests in Minnesota". USA Today. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  102. ^ Aspegren, Elinor; Newland, Erik. "Daunte Wright shooting: Protesters clash with police after curfew in Minnesota; Vice President Harris calls for 'justice and healing'". USA Today. Archived from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  103. ^ "NAACP | NAACP President's Statement on Reckless Killing of Daunte Wright". NAACP. April 12, 2021. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  104. ^ Lick, Val (April 13, 2021). "'He was loved' | Daunte Wright's family shares grief, calls for prosecution". KARE-TV. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  105. ^ "Statement from the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota on the Police Killing of Daunte Wright". ACLU. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
  106. ^ Srikanth, Anagha (April 12, 2021). "Protesters decry Minnesota police killing of Black driver over air fresheners". The Hill. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
  107. ^ "Statement By President Obama". Twitter. April 12, 2021. Archived from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  108. ^ Stracqualursi, Veronica (April 13, 2021). "Obamas: 'Our hearts are heavy' over shooting of Daunte Wright | CNN Politics". CNN. Archived from the original on August 15, 2023. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  109. ^ "Rev. Al Sharpton on the police killing of Daunte Wright: 'You can die for having expired tags'". MSNBC. Archived from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  110. ^ "Statement Regarding the Death of Daunte Wright". Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. April 12, 2021. Archived from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  111. ^ Ragatz, Will (April 12, 2021). "Vikings Release Statement on the Killing of Daunte Wright by Brooklyn Center Police". Inside the Vikings. Sports Illustrated. New York, New York. Archived from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  112. ^ Minnesota Timberwolves, Twins and Wild postpone games over shooting of Daunte Wright, CBS News, April 12, 2021
  113. ^ Frederick, Jace (April 14, 2021). "Timberwolves continue to seek change in wake of Daunte Wright killing". Grand Forks Herald. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
  114. ^ Beno, Leah (May 6, 2021). "Brooklyn Center PD union president speaks out after Daunte Wright shooting". KMSP-TV. Archived from the original on May 8, 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
  115. ^ a b Martínez, Andrés R.; Sandoval, Edgar (April 13, 2021). "Daunte Wright Spent Final Moments Talking With His Mother". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  116. ^ "Daunte Wright's parents speak out after shooting in ABC News exclusive: 'He's never coming back'". ABC News. Archived from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  117. ^ "Daunte Wright's Mother Katie Wright Speaks At Tuesday Press Conference". WCCO-TV CBS Minnesota. April 13, 2021. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  118. ^ Hovland, Ben (April 13, 2021). "Iconic fist sculpture from George Floyd Square rises in Brooklyn Center". Sahan Journal. Archived from the original on May 16, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
  119. ^ Bogel-Burroughs, Nicholas (April 22, 2021). "At Daunte Wright Funeral, Minneapolis Mourns the 'Prince of Brooklyn Center'". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 23, 2021. Retrieved April 23, 2021.
  120. ^ Madani, Doha (April 22, 2021). "Mourners gather in Minneapolis for funeral of Daunte Wright". NBC News. Archived from the original on May 2, 2021. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  121. ^ Haugen, Emily (November 8, 2023). "Brooklyn Center Daunte Wright Memorial Construction Complete". CCX Media. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  122. ^ "Minnesota Judicial Branch – 27-CR-21-7460: State vs. Kimberly Potter". Minnesota Judicial Branch. Archived from the original on December 19, 2021. Retrieved December 19, 2021.
  123. ^ "Judge: Behavior errors on table at ex-cop's homicide trial". Associated Press. November 3, 2021. Archived from the original on November 4, 2021. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  124. ^ a b Walsh, Paul; Xiong, Chao; Olson, Rochelle (November 30, 2021). "Jury selection is underway in Kim Potter manslaughter trial". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on November 30, 2021. Retrieved November 30, 2021.
  125. ^ a b Bogel-Burroughs, Nicholas (December 20, 2021). "Who are the lawyers in the Kim Potter trial? And who are the other key players?". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
  126. ^ Witta, Tommy (August 5, 2021). "Former officer who fatally shot Daunte Wright to have trial start on Nov. 30". KSTP-TV. Archived from the original on August 5, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
  127. ^ Xiong, Chao (November 9, 2021). "Former Brooklyn Center officer Kimberly Potter's trial will be livestreamed". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on November 10, 2021. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  128. ^ Simon, Alexandra; Sandberg, Diane (December 2, 2021). "Jury breakdown: Who will hear the trial of Kim Potter". KARE-TV. Archived from the original on March 2, 2023. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  129. ^ "Mostly white jury seated for Kim Potter trial in Daunte Wright's death". NBC News. December 3, 2021. Archived from the original on December 18, 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  130. ^ "Kim Potter's trial in Daunte Wright's death will have a mostly white jury". National Public Radio. December 3, 2021. Archived from the original on December 3, 2021. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  131. ^ Hernandez, Joe; Wamsley, Laurel (December 20, 2021). "The jury begins deliberations in Kim Potter's trial over the killing of Daunte Wright". National Public Radio. Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
  132. ^ "No verdict in Kim Potter trial after first day of deliberation". KSTP-TV. December 20, 2021. Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
  133. ^ a b Winter, Deena (December 23, 2021). "Jury finds Brooklyn Center Officer Potter guilty of manslaughter". Minnesota Reformer. Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  134. ^ "Live updates: Kim Potter found guilty in Daunte Wright shooting". CNN. December 23, 2021. Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  135. ^ Walsh, Paul (December 23, 2021). "Guilty: Jury convicts Potter of both counts of manslaughter in shooting of Daunte Wright". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  136. ^ a b "Kim Potter Sentenced to 2 Years in Daunte Wright's Death". WTTW. Archived from the original on February 19, 2022. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  137. ^ Sullivan, Becky; Wamsley, Laurel (February 18, 2022). "Kim Potter, the ex-cop convicted in Daunte Wright's death, is sentenced to 2 years". National Public Radio. Archived from the original on February 19, 2022. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  138. ^ Forliti, Amy (February 18, 2022). "Judge sentences former officer Kim Potter to 2 years in prison for killing Daunte Wright". Archived from the original on February 18, 2022. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  139. ^ "Daunte Wright's mother began to sob as the first guilty verdict was read". CNN. December 23, 2021. Archived from the original on February 20, 2022. Retrieved February 20, 2022.
  140. ^ a b "Kim Potter Sentenced To 16 Months In Prison, 8 Months Supervised Release For Killing Daunte Wright". WCCO-TV. February 18, 2022. Archived from the original on February 18, 2022. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  141. ^ "Kim Potter sentenced to 2 years in Daunte Wright's death". ABC News. Archived from the original on February 19, 2022. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  142. ^ Van Oot, Torey (December 19, 2022). "Minnesota Pardon Board agenda won't include early release for ex-cop Kimberly Potter". Axios. Archived from the original on April 11, 2023. Retrieved April 11, 2023.
  143. ^ Moini, Nina (April 24, 2023). "Former officer Kimberly Potter released from prison after serving 16 months for killing Daunte Wright". MPR News. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  144. ^ Broaddus, Adrienne (April 24, 2023). "Former Minnesota police officer Kim Potter released from prison after serving time for deadly shooting of Daunte Wright". CNN. Archived from the original on April 24, 2023. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
  145. ^ Walsh, Paul (April 24, 2023). "Kim Potter released from prison before dawn as safety measure, 2 years after killing Daunte Wright". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on April 24, 2023. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
  146. ^ Judd, Jake (April 12, 2021). "Family of Man Shot Hires Famous Civil Rights Attorney". KNSI. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  147. ^ a b Timsit, Annabelle (June 22, 2022). "Minn. city to pay $3.25M in police killing of Daunte Wright, lawyers say". Washington Post. Archived from the original on July 5, 2022. Retrieved June 22, 2022.
  148. ^ Harlow, Tim (June 21, 2022). "Brooklyn Center reaches settlement with Daunte Wright's family for $3.25 million". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on June 22, 2022. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  149. ^ Harlow, Tim (January 13, 2023). "Daunte Wright's girlfriend settles suit against Brooklyn Center for $350,000". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
  150. ^ "Judge orders Daunte Wright's son get majority of money awarded in wrongful death lawsuit". KSTP-TV. March 16, 2023. Archived from the original on March 17, 2023. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
  151. ^ Godfrey, Courtney (March 15, 2023). "Daunte Wright death: Son to get majority of $3.5M settlement". KMSP-TV. Archived from the original on March 16, 2023. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
  152. ^ Nelson, Tim (July 18, 2023). "Brooklyn Center unveils design for memorial to Daunte Wright". Minnesota Public Radio. Archived from the original on August 6, 2023. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  153. ^ Blume, Paul (July 24, 2023). "Brooklyn Center preps for Daunte Wright memorial construction". KMSP-TV. Archived from the original on July 25, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  154. ^ Harlow, Tim (February 23, 2024). "Brooklyn Center settles suit with former chief who quit after Daunte Wright shooting". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on February 24, 2024. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  155. ^ a b Brown, Kyle (May 15, 2021). "Brooklyn Center City Council approves police reform resolution". KSTP-TV. Archived from the original on May 19, 2021. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  156. ^ a b Harlow, Tim (August 14, 2023). "Report: Brooklyn Center Police Department needs more patrol officers". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on August 14, 2023. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  157. ^ Harlow, Tim (September 28, 2021). "In first step in police reform, Brooklyn Center enacts new citation policy". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on September 28, 2021. Retrieved September 28, 2021.
  158. ^ Chhith, Alex (December 6, 2021). "Brooklyn Center passes $1.3 million plan for alternative public safety programs after another heated debate". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on December 7, 2021. Retrieved December 6, 2021.
  159. ^ Miller, Ken (November 8, 2022). "Graves wins Brooklyn Center Mayor's race". Sun Post. Archived from the original on November 9, 2022. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  160. ^ Cleveland, Cleveland (April 11, 2023). "Two Years After Daunte Wright's Death, Brooklyn Center Committee Continues Police Reform Work". CCX Media. Archived from the original on April 13, 2023. Retrieved August 10, 2023.
  161. ^ Harlow, Tim (January 23, 2024). "Brooklyn Center City Council rejects police reform policy governing traffic stops, searches". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on January 25, 2024. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  162. ^ Eckert, Nora (April 13, 2021). "Daunte Wright shooting echoes Rochester Taser error in 2002". Duluth News Tribune. Archived from the original on April 16, 2021. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
  163. ^ a b Bogel-Burroughs, Nicholas; Bosman, Julie; Hubler, Shawn (April 12, 2021). "Minnesota Officer Who Shot Daunte Wright Meant to Fire Taser, Chief Says". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
  164. ^ Ciavaglia, Joe (April 12, 2019). "Bucks DA: New Hope police-involved shooting not justified, but excused". Bucks County Courier Times. Archived from the original on April 22, 2021. Retrieved April 22, 2021.
  165. ^ Shepherd, Sarea (March 27, 2019). "Judge dismisses case against Lawrence police officer who shot man, says evidence does not show she acted recklessly". Lawrence Journal World. Archived from the original on April 22, 2021.
  166. ^ Emily S. Rueb (April 15, 2019). "Officer Who Used Gun Instead of Taser Won't Face Charges for Shooting Unarmed Man". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 21, 2021.
  167. ^ Alfonseca, Kiara (April 15, 2021). "Daunte Wright shooting: Other officers have mistaken their guns for stun guns". ABC News. Archived from the original on February 11, 2022. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
  168. ^ a b Dulle, Brian (April 14, 2021). "Roeland Park Police updates Taser policy following killing of Daunte Wright in Minnesota". WDAF-TV. Archived from the original on May 24, 2021. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
  169. ^ a b Henson, Rhyan (April 16, 2021). "St. Ann Police change Taser colors, policy after Daunte Wright's shooting death". KSDK. Archived from the original on May 24, 2021. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
  170. ^ a b Eder, Steve; Keller, Michael H.; Migliozzi, Blacki (October 10, 2021). "As New Police Reform Laws Sweep Across the U.S., Some Ask: Are They Enough?". The New York Times. Archived from the original on October 10, 2021. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  171. ^ Jany, Libor (August 12, 2021). "Minneapolis police to scale back low-level traffic stops". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on August 13, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
  172. ^ Furst, Randy (May 22, 2022). "Once Viewed as a 'Paper Tiger,' POST Board Pursues New Reforms to Discipline Misbehaving Police". Frontline. Archived from the original on August 15, 2023. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  173. ^ Connolly, Dan (May 1, 2023). "Illinois bill: Police not allowed to stop drivers for rearview mirror air fresheners, other hanging items". WGN-TV. Archived from the original on August 15, 2023. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  174. ^ "Belt measure to reduce unnecessary traffic stops signed by governor". Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus. June 9, 2023. Archived from the original on August 15, 2023. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  175. ^ Singson, Ben (May 26, 2023). "Bill changing Illinois rearview mirror law heads to governor's desk". Jacksonville Journal-Courier. Archived from the original on May 28, 2023. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  176. ^ Glanton, Dahleen (April 13, 2021). "After the killing of Daunte Wright, it's time to talk about defunding the police again". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on August 27, 2022. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  177. ^ "Some states are struggling to implement policing reforms passed after George Floyd's murder". PBS News Hour. October 31, 2022. Archived from the original on January 1, 2023. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  178. ^ Levin, Sam (January 6, 2023). "'It never stops': killings by US police reach record high in 2022". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on January 6, 2023. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  179. ^ Jr, Perry Bacon (January 15, 2023). "Opinion | The racial reckoning led to lots of talk but little real change". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Archived from the original on January 16, 2023. Retrieved August 10, 2023.

Further reading

[edit]