26-year Police Veteran, Shot and Killed 20-year old Daunte Wright

On Sunday, Daunte Wright was stopped by Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Police Officers for having air fresheners in his review mirror, Mrs. Wright tells Robin Roberts in an interview. When asked to step out of the vehicle, Wright asked why and was told they will let him know once he gets out of the car. That is when Wright was fatally shot by Officer Kim Potter, who served 26 years on the force.

In a news conference with Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Mayor Mike Elliott, and Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Chief of Police Tim Gannon on Monday, the body-worn camera video of Officer Potter was shown. It showed officers arresting Wright, but Wright got back in his car. That is when Office Potter thought she reached for her taser, but instead pulled her gun and shot Wright in the chest. 

“As I watch the video and listen to the officers’ commands, it is my belief that the officer had the intention to deploy her taser, but instead shot Mr. Wright with a single bullet. This appears to me from what I’ve viewed and the officers reaction in distress immediately after, that this was an accidental discharge, that resulted in a tragic death of Mr. Wright,” said Gannon, active Chief at the time.

 

When Officers pulled up Wright’s profile on their display monitor, according to ABC News, there was a warrant for Wrights arrest for not appearing in court earlier this month, a misdemeanor charge for allegedly carrying a firearm without a permit, and running away from law enforcement. 

“We cannot afford to make mistakes that lead to the loss of life of other people in our profession and so I do fully support releasing the officer of her duties,” said Mayor Elliott.

Soon after Monday’s news conference, Officer Potter and Chief Gannon turned in their resignation letter Tuesday morning. 

“I would like to see justice served and she held accountable for everything she has taken from us,” said Mrs. Wright.

Mayor Elliott appointed Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Police Officer Tony Gruenig as Active Police Chief, who has served 19 years on the force.

“I’m just trying to step forward and fill a leadership role right now,” said Chief Gruenig. “It’s very chaotic right now. We were was just informed an hour ago about the chain in status. There’s just a lot of chaos going on right now. We’re just trying to wrap our heads around the situation and try to create some calm and that can transition into some calm for the community. Just some pause and community calming as we try to wrap our heads around the entire situation.”

As Wright drove off, he crashed into another vehicle. According to ABC News, the medical examine pronounced Wright dead at the scene caused by a gunshot wound to the chest and ruled it a homicide.

After hearing Gannon say, Potter accidentally shot and killed Wright was an accident; Mr. Wright, Daunte’s father, was not accepting that excuse.

“I cannot accept that. I lost my son. He’s never coming back. I can’t accept that mistake, that doesn’t even sound right. This officer has been on the force for 26 years. I can’t accept that,” said Mr. Wright.

This shooting led to hundreds protesting on the streets of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Ex-officer Potter was arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter, authorities said Wednesday.