After the tragic death of George Floyd a year ago, Minnesota is once again at the epicenter of a new police shooting. The Brooklyn Center Police Chief, Tim Gannon, on April 12th during a press conference described the shooting of Daunte Wright as an "accidental discharge."
Gannon added the arrest of Wright was due to an outstanding warrant. The event has ignited clashes between police officers and protesters.
The body camera footage released showed three officers approaching the sedan parked on the shoulder. Moments later, the video shows the officer, by the driver's side, ready to put the handcuffs and Wright attempts to flee. The officer warned "I'll tase you! I'll tase you!" The office repeated the word taser three consecutive times, which led to drawing her weapon and unloading a single gun shot.
Approximately 24 hours later, crowds gathered outside Brooklyn Center police station. All of this spontaneously transpired in spite of Governor Tim Walz's issued a curfew from Monday until Tuesday at 6:00 a.m.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension placed on administrative leave
Minnesota is back in the national spotlight. This latest shooting involving the Minnesota police officer adds more tension and attention with the Floyd trial currently taking place.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension identified the officer. According to the daily newspaper, Star Tribune, the name of the officer is Kimberly A. Potter (48-years-old). Potter has served for 26 years.
The Washington Attorney, Pete Orput, promised there will be a throughout yet expedited review of this case. In addition, the hope is this office will have criminal charges drafted by no later than Tuesday or Wednesday.
Autopsy, background information into Mr. Wright's arrest and warrant search
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner released the autopsy report on Sunday. The analysis corroborated that he was shot in the chest and died at 2:18 p.m. The manner of death is a homicide.
As reported by the New York Times, the reason for the traffic stop was an expired registration. Abigail Cerra, Minneapolis civil Rights lawyer, quoted in the article said it was very questionable to make these sorts of traffic stops at a time like this (pandemic).
What were the charges against Wright? He was facing two misdemeanor charges after Minneapolis police claimed he carried a pistol without a permit. This resulted in running away from law enforcement last June.
The Tweet below includes details on the misdemeanor followed by a missed court hearing.
Brooklyn Center Mayor, Mike Elliott, implored the city to remain calm and promised that an investigation would be conducted.
Elliot emphasized that this tragic event happened at the worse time. He also mentioned the rest of the country and the world is watching our community.