Taser! Katie Wright said she got a call at 1:47 p.m. Sunday from her son while he was in the car with a girl getting pulled over by police "the worst day of my life," she said. dayslong protests erupted in Brooklyn Center. Daunte Wright was driving in Brooklyn Center, about 10 miles northwest of Minneapolis, when he was stopped by police on Sunday afternoon. [113], Chuck Valleau, head of the Brooklyn Center police union, said, "The death of Daunte Wright is terrible. "I heard scuffling . "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.". I can't accept thata mistake, that doesn't even sound right," he added. Since then, she has received emails accusing her of creating a fake campaign designed to steal money from people, she told Insider. [3][4][5] He was the son of a Black father and a White mother. Daunte Wright had led a life of crime and violence in the years before his death, DailyMail.com can reveal . Topline. [14][15] Potter, a field training officer, was training a new officer at the time of the incident. "He was so much more, and he did not deserve this. Discovery Company. The trial for the police officer . murder trial of former officer Derek Chauvin is underway, struggled with a learning disability and dropped out of high school about two years ago, As Daunte Wright's family grieves, police chief and officer resign in Brooklyn Center shooting, GoFundMe page for a memorial fund for Wright, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. MINNEAPOLIS - Family and friends of Daunte Wright exalted the 20-year-old Black father fatally shot during a traffic stop by a veteran Minnesota police officer at a funeral service in . As police attempted to take him into custody, Daunte Wright reentered the vehicle and one of the officers fired their weapon, striking him. Katie Bryant, Daunte Wright's mom, looks at the crowd gathered outside the Hennepin County Government Center, Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, in Minneapolis, after jurors found former suburban Minneapolis police officer Kim Potter guilty of first degree and second degree manslaughter in the death of motorist Daunte Wright. "[12][56][57], 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. shows Daunte Wright and his son Daunte Jr., at his first birthday party. [126] Throughout the trial, the prosecution argued that Potter neglected training on use of her Taser and discharged her gun recklessly when she killed Wright. We had our hearts pulled out of our chests. [16][61], On April 13, Potter and Gannon submitted their resignations from the Brooklyn Center police department, with Potter's resignation stating it was in the "best interest of the community" and effective immediately. Wright Family Wright's aunt, Nyesha Wright, told reporters Tuesday that she hopes officials hold Potter "at the highest extent of the law." [13][143] Chu expressed that it was "one of the saddest cases Ive had on my 20 years on the bench". [158], Several other policing changes were made outside of the U.S. state of Minnesota in response to Wright's death. 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. [150] In August 2021, Minneapolis, Minnesota, police announced they would not make traffic stops for minor infractions, such as expired vehicle tabs or having objects hanging on mirrors. [68][35][31] 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. 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." "I lost my son, he's never coming back," Daunte Wright's father, Aubrey Wright, told ABC News' Robin Roberts in an exclusive . [130], Selection for the trial's twelve jurors and two alternative jurors took place from November 30 to December 3. [123], Prosecutors filed the criminal case in Hennepin County District Court on April 14 as the State of Minnesota vs. Kimberly Potter. [21] He opened the driver's side door and Wright stepped out of the car. [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. [66], 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. "He was connected to people, people knowing him and being in that community and of course feeling outraged," she said. Daunte Wright. She said she's unsure why the situation escalated. Crime. [73] On May 24, Imran Ali, the assistant criminal division chief at the Washington County Attorney's Office, resigned from his job after several activist groups demonstrated outside Orput's home demanding that the charges be raised to murder. The defense argued that Wright resisted arrest, which contributed to a "slip and capture" error. "[108], 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. 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. At the news conference that also gathered George Floyd's family and other relativesof victims of police violence,Katie Wright spoke in soft tones as she recounted the last time she saw or spoke with her son, whom Garraway and family said was mentored at Thomas Edison High School in Minneapolis by Floyd's girlfriend, Courteney Ross. "Daunte put the phone down, I heard some scuffling. "[110], Although earlier in the day the Minnesota Twins had issued a statement postponing their Target Field home game, after the announcement of the curfew, the Wild postponed their home game in Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center and the Timberwolves postponed their game in the Minneapolis Target Center. Shortly after Wrights death, the Brooklyn Center Police Department released video of how the traffic stop unfolded. [31], 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. The family of Daunte Wright says the conviction of former Minnesota police officer Kim Potter in Wright's death is a "bittersweet" moment ahead of the Christmas holiday, when "what we'll be able . 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 . [10] He worked in retail and fast-food jobs to support his almost-two-year-old son, and had enrolled in a vocational school. He worked in retail and fast-food jobs to support his . Potter is required to serve two-thirds of her two-year sentence in prison, or 16 months, according to state law. This settlement will not be finalized until agreement is also reached on substantial and meaningful non-monetary relief, the attorneys wrote in the news release. But right now, were going to accept accountability, and were thankful for that.. The shooting sparked protests in Brooklyn Center and renewed ongoing demonstrations against police shootings in the MinneapolisSaint Paul metropolitan area, leading to citywide and regional curfews. Potter was convicted of first-degree manslaughter and second-degree manslaughter on December 23, 2021, at a jury trial in Hennepin County. [62][100], City manager Curt Boganey, speaking at an April 12 press conference of Brooklyn Center officials, said, "All employees working for the city of Brooklyn Center are entitled to due process with respect to discipline. I haven't seen him since.". Whitaker claims that of the approximately $1,039,260 raised through the fund and managed by Crump's firm, "not one . Sophia Ankel and Joshua Zitser. Wright family attorneys Benjamin Crump and . "Daunte said, 'For what, am I in trouble?' I just shot somebody. Daunte Wright's killing has sparked demonstrations -- some violent -- in Brooklyn Center, Minneapolis, Portland, New York and other cities. Daunte Wright's mother, Katie Wright, was among the people who spoke during Tuesday's press conference after the resignations of Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter and police chief Tim . "[112] At their game back 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". ", "Peaceful protests, understandable, and the fact is that, you know, we do know that the anger pain and trauma that exists in the Back community, and that environment is real, it's serious, and it's consequential," Biden told reporters. Wright provided his name but did not have a driver's license or proof-of-insurance card. Ryan Miller is a News NOW Reporter at USA TODAY, Daunte Wright: Mother speaks out at vigil, while protests continue. [134][135], After deliberating for 27 hours over four days, the jury found Potter guilty of first-degree manslaughter and second-degree manslaughter on December 23. "I want to say thank you so much for the support and standing by us," Katie Wright said, "and making sure that my son's name doesn't get swept under the rug. I heard the phone getting put down pretty hard," Katie Wright said on "GMA" during Tuesday's exclusive interview. And for that I'll never be able to forgive you," addressing Potter. ", The parents said they want to see "justice served" and the officer who shot their son "held accountable for everything that she's taken from us." Wrights shooting happened amid the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was convicted of murder in the May 2020 killing of George Floyd. "[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. Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott has said he "fully support[s] releasing the officer of her duties.". Soon, she told a large crowd of reporters outside the Hennepin County Government Center where Chauvin is on trial, she called again this time the girl answered onvideo. April 13, 2021 11:52 AM PT. Potter testified in her defense, claiming that she mistook her gun for a Taser and admitting to fatally shooting Wright. "We had our hearts pulled out of our chests," the mother said. "This officer has been on the force for 26 years. But just like in George Floyd -- they could have given him a ticket -- they used the most force when it comes to dealing with marginalized minorities," he added. He was my baby. [161], A broad public safety and police reform plan put forward by Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliot in the aftermath of Wright's death became a source of political controversy as it ultimately failed to be enacted into law. Officers administered CPR, but were unable to revive him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. 2023 Cable News Network. He was funny and had big dreams for his future. Mr Wright, an unarmed father of a two-year-old, was . "[139] 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. Wrightloved to goof around, play sports and drive the car he had just been given by a family member, relatives and family friendssaid at a news conference Tuesday. (AP Photo/Christian Monterrosa). 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. And I'm just so messed up about it because I feel like they stole my son's dad from him. Daunte Wright's mother, Katie Wright, told ABC News that her son had called her during the traffic stop. RELATED: Daunte Wright's family, Brooklyn Center reach $3.25 million settlement. On Sunday, the 20-year-old's laughter stopped, turning to community anger and disbelief after Wright was fatally shot by a senior Brooklyn Center officer when, police said, she mistookher gun for a taser. I just thought maybe he was being arrested.". [62][63][64] The Brooklyn Center City Council had recommended their firing during an emergency meeting on April 12. A white police officer who fatally shot Daunte Wright during a traffic stop in a Minneapolis suburb resigned Tuesday, April 13, 2021 as did the city's police chief moves that the mayor said he hoped would help heal the community and lead to reconciliation after two nights of . [72], Attorney General Ellison's office took over the prosecution on May 21. Nonetheless, the response amongst local citizens has been swift, with countless individuals taking to the street to mourn Daunte's loss and protest police brutality. [30], Wright's mother talked about seeing her son's body over FaceTime at a press conference on April 13. 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. Potter said she meant to use her service Taser, shouting "Taser! The details surrounding the case are still . [31][45][42] Potter was holding her gun for 5.5 seconds before discharging it. Potter shot and killed Wright, saying she had mistaken her gun for a Taser. [127] Erin Eldridge, an assistant attorney general who also participated in the Chauvin trial, joined Frank. [85][86] Mayor Mike Elliott imposed a curfew until 6 a.m. the next morning and closed schools for the following day. During trial, Potter said, I didnt want to hurt anybody., Daunte Wright's mother was approached and grabbed by police while trying to film a traffic stop, I was very distraught. "[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. [94][26] 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. National Guard troops were already deployed in Minneapolis for the ongoing murder trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer charged in the May 2020 death of Floyd, which ignited protests nationwide and abroad. She also lead the crowd in a quiet moment in honor of Daunte. Wright, 20, was pulled over April 11, 2021, by former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter for an expired tag and illegal air freshener, authorities have said. $303,114 of the programs' budget came from eliminating three police officer positions. [29] The officers decided to arrest Wright and ensure the passenger was not the same woman who had the protective order against him. But the 20-year-old was shot to death by police Sunday afternoon during a traffic stop in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn . CousinMario Greer said Wright's favorite holiday was the Fourth of July. 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. Taser! Officer Kim Potter Released From Jail Hours After Arrest For Manslaughter Charges", "Officer Who Killed Daunte Wright Makes 1st Court Appearance In Manslaughter Case", "Here's what we know about Kim Potter, the officer who fatally shot Daunte Wright", "AG Ellison's office to lead prosecution of officer charged in Daunte Wright's death", "Prosecutor on Wright's death case resigns, citing 'vitriol', "Former Kim Potter prosecutor resigns his post, citing 'partisan politics', "State adds 1st-degree manslaughter charge against former officer Kim Potter", "Protesters demand justice over police shooting of 20-year-old Black man in Minneapolis suburbs", "Protests Grow In Minnesota And Around U.S. Over Death of Daunte Wright", "Hundreds ignore curfew to protest Daunte Wright shooting outside Brooklyn Center P.D. Mistook her gun for a Taser and admitting to fatally shooting Wright I! 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