{{Short description|2021 police homicide in Minnesota, US}} {{good article}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}} {{Use American English|date=August 2023}} {{infobox civilian attack | image = Body camera still image of Daunte Wright in US state of Minnesota 2021-14-11.jpg | image_size = | image_upright = | alt = Body camera image of Kim Potter holding a gun during the arrest of Daunte Wright | caption = Footage from Kimberly Potter's body camera of her holding a firearm during her shooting of Daunte Wright, April 11, 2021. | map = {{maplink|frame=y|plain=yes|frame-align=right|frame-lat=45.0693|frame-long=-93.3411|zoom=12|type=point|coord={{coord|45.0693|N|93.3411|W}}}} | map_caption = Location of the incident in Brooklyn Center | time = {{circa}} {{nowrap|2:00 p.m. CST}} {{nowrap|(19:00 UTC)}} | timezone = | duration = <!-- {{duration|h=x|m=x|s=x}} or {{time interval|date1|date2|options}} --> | type = Homicide by shooting, manslaughter, police brutality | fatalities = Daunte Demetrius Wright | injuries = Alayna Albrecht-Payton | perp = Kimberly Ann Potter<ref name="Bogel-Burroughs, NYT 2021.04.13: Officer Kimberly Potter Resigns" /> | convictions = *First-degree manslaughter predicated on reckless use/handling of a firearm *Second-degree manslaughter{{Infobox event | title = | child = yes | trial = ''MN v. Potter'' 27-CR-21-7460<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/High-Profile-Cases/27-CR-21-7460/AmendedComplaint09022021.pdf|title=Minnesota v. Potter. Amended Complaint|website=Minnesota Judicial Branch|access-date=December 12, 2021|archive-date=December 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208035257/https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/High-Profile-Cases/27-CR-21-7460/AmendedComplaint09022021.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> | sentence = 2 years in prison (paroled after {{frac|1|1|3}} years)}} | verdict = Guilty on both counts | litigation = Civil lawsuits settled by Brooklyn Center: *Wright's family for $3.25 million *Albrecht-Payton for $350,000 *Tim Gannon for $55,000 | date = {{start date and age|2021|04|11}} | title = Killing of Daunte Wright | location = Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, U.S. | coordinates = {{coord|45|04|09.3|N|93|20|27.9|W|display=inline,title}} | notes = }}
On April 11, 2021, '''Daunte Wright''', a 20-year-old American man, was fatally shot in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, by police officer '''Kimberly Potter''' during a traffic stop and attempted arrest for an outstanding warrant. After a brief struggle with officers, Potter shot Wright in the chest once at close range. Wright then drove off a short distance until his vehicle collided with another and hit a concrete barrier. An officer administered CPR to Wright; paramedics were unable to revive him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Potter said she meant to use her service Taser, shouting "Taser! Taser! Taser!" just before mistakenly firing her service pistol instead.
The shooting sparked protests in Brooklyn Center and renewed ongoing demonstrations against police shootings in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area, leading to citywide and regional curfews. Demonstrations took place over several days, and spread to cities across the United States. Two days after the incident, Potter and Brooklyn Center police chief Tim Gannon resigned from their positions.
Potter was convicted of first-degree manslaughter and second-degree manslaughter at a jury trial in Hennepin County. She received a two-year sentence, of which she served 16 months incarcerated. Wright's family settled a wrongful death lawsuit with the City of Brooklyn Center for {{US$|3.25|long=no}}{{Nbsp}}million. The passenger in Wright's car, who was injured in the collision, settled a civil suit with the city for {{US$|350000|long=no}}.
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 == thumb|Daunte Wright|alt=Image of Daunte Wright wearing a red shirt and looking at a camera Daunte Demetrius Wright (October 27, 2000 – April 11, 2021) was a 20-year-old living in Minneapolis, having moved there from Chicago.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BCA Identifies Officer in Brooklyn Center Shooting Incident |url=https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/BCA-Identifies-Officer-in-Brooklyn-Center-Shooting-Incident.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414104607/https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ooc/news-releases/Pages/BCA-Identifies-Officer-in-Brooklyn-Center-Shooting-Incident.aspx |archive-date=April 14, 2021 |access-date=April 14, 2021 |website=Minnesota Department of Public Safety}}</ref><ref name="doting">{{Cite web |last=Lavoie |first=Denise |date=April 14, 2021 |title=Daunte Wright: Doting dad, ballplayer, slain by police |url=https://apnews.com/article/daunte-wright-shooting-minnesota-f70fb7fc4c205740507b7ec53d7315f0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415000737/https://apnews.com/article/daunte-wright-shooting-minnesota-f70fb7fc4c205740507b7ec53d7315f0 |archive-date=April 15, 2021 |access-date=April 15, 2021 |work=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Sullivan |first1=Becky |last2=Romo |first2=Vanessa |date=April 12, 2021 |title=Officer Who Fatally Shot Daunte Wright With 'Accidental Discharge' Is Identified |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/04/12/986458941/police-say-accidental-discharge-of-gun-led-to-daunte-wrights-death |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412222453/https://www.npr.org/2021/04/12/986458941/police-say-accidental-discharge-of-gun-led-to-daunte-wrights-death |archive-date=April 12, 2021 |access-date=April 13, 2021 |work=National Public Radio}}</ref> He was the son of a black father and a white mother.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stafford |first1=Zach |date=April 15, 2021 |title=Daunte Wright's death proves a more interracial America can't protect us |url=https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/daunte-wright-s-death-proves-more-interracial-america-can-t-n1264089 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511060126/https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/daunte-wright-s-death-proves-more-interracial-america-can-t-n1264089 |archive-date=May 11, 2021 |access-date=May 11, 2021 |work=MSNBC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Shapiro |first=Emily |date=April 22, 2021 |title=Daunte Wright's family gathers in Minneapolis for funeral: Recap |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/live-updates/?id=77214270 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511134020/https://abcnews.go.com/US/live-updates/?id=77214270 |archive-date=May 11, 2021 |access-date=May 11, 2021 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref name="HS">[https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/04/12/daunte-wright-shooting/ Minnesota police officer who shot Daunte Wright apparently meant to use Taser but fired gun, police chief says] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413021631/https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/04/12/daunte-wright-shooting/|date=April 13, 2021}}, ''Washington Post'', Kim Bellware, Andrea Salcedo, Sheila Regan, Jared Goyette, and Meryl Kornfield, April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 23, 2021.</ref> He worked in retail and fast-food jobs to support his almost-two-year-old son, and had enrolled in a vocational school.<ref name="HS" /><ref name="CNNWire 2021.04.14 - reactions from Wright's family and associates">{{cite news |date=April 14, 2021 |title=Daunte Wright called his mother right before he was shot. This is what he said |work=CNN |url=https://abc7ny.com/daunte-wright-parents-brooklyn-center-police-shooting/10513335/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417211529/https://abc7ny.com/daunte-wright-parents-brooklyn-center-police-shooting/10513335/ |archive-date=April 17, 2021}}</ref><ref name="nyt-homicide">{{cite web |date=April 12, 2021 |title=What to Know About the Police Shooting of Daunte Wright |url=https://www.nytimes.com/article/daunte-wright-death-minnesota.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412235340/https://www.nytimes.com/article/daunte-wright-death-minnesota.html |archive-date=April 12, 2021 |access-date=April 13, 2021 |website=The New York Times |quote=The Hennepin County medical examiner concluded Monday that Mr. Wright 'died of a gunshot wound of the chest and manner of death is homicide.'}}</ref><ref name="Bogel-Burroughs-2022">{{Cite news |last=Bogel-Burroughs |first=Nicholas |date=February 18, 2022 |title=Kim Potter Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Killing Daunte Wright |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/18/us/kim-potter-sentence-manslaughter.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218234216/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/18/us/kim-potter-sentence-manslaughter.html |archive-date=February 18, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
At the time of the shooting, 48-year-old Kimberly Ann Potter, from Champlin, Minnesota, was a police officer in the Brooklyn Center Police Department, and a mother of two sons.<ref name="POTTERIDSTAR">{{cite news |last1=Walsh |first1=Paul |last2=Sawyer |first2=Liz |date=April 12, 2021 |title=Officer who fatally shot man in Brooklyn Center is identified as 26-year veteran |work=Star Tribune |url=https://www.startribune.com/officer-who-fatally-shot-man-in-brooklyn-center-is-identified-as-26-year-veteran/600045243/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=April 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413135703/https://www.startribune.com/officer-who-fatally-shot-man-in-brooklyn-center-is-identified-as-26-year-veteran/600045243/ |archive-date=April 13, 2021}}</ref><ref name="PotterBio">{{cite magazine |last1=McEvoy |first1=Jemima |date=April 13, 2021 |title=Here's What We Know About Kim Potter, The Minnesota Officer Who Shot Daunte Wright |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jemimamcevoy/2021/04/13/heres-what-we-know-about-kim-potter-the-minnesota-officer-who-shot-daunte-wright/?sh=21b124f37fd2 |url-status=live |magazine=Forbes |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413225031/https://www.forbes.com/sites/jemimamcevoy/2021/04/13/heres-what-we-know-about-kim-potter-the-minnesota-officer-who-shot-daunte-wright/?sh=21b124f37fd2 |archive-date=April 13, 2021 |access-date=April 13, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Groves |first=Stephen |date=April 15, 2021 |title=Officer Kim Potter: from leader to defendant in Daunte Wright shooting |url=https://www.twincities.com/2021/04/14/officer-in-black-mans-killing-from-leader-to-defendant/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230806171213/https://www.twincities.com/2021/04/14/officer-in-black-mans-killing-from-leader-to-defendant/ |archive-date=August 6, 2023 |access-date=August 6, 2023 |website=St. Paul Pioneer Press |language=en-US}}</ref> She had worked for the department since 1995, shortly after finishing at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota a year prior in 1994.<ref name="POTTERIDSTAR" /><ref name="PotterBio" /> Potter, a field training officer, was training a new officer at the time of the incident.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Rosa |last2=Winsor |first2=Morgan |last3=Alfonseca |first3=Kiara |last4=Pereira |first4=Ivan |date=April 13, 2021 |title=Officer who fatally shot Daunte Wright during traffic stop meant to use Taser, police chief says |work=ABC News |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/minnesota-police-officer-fatally-shoots-driver-traffic-stop/story?id=77013068 |url-status=live |access-date=April 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413021654/https://abcnews.go.com/US/minnesota-police-officer-fatally-shoots-driver-traffic-stop/story?id=77013068 |archive-date=April 13, 2021}}</ref><ref name="PotterBio" /> She had completed annual re-certifications for her weapons with her most recent Taser certification having been completed on March 2, 2021.<ref name="www.mncourts.gov-2021">{{Cite web |date=September 2, 2021 |title=Complaint: State of Minnesota vs. Kimberly Ann Potter (27-CR-21-7460) |url=https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/High-Profile-Cases/27-CR-21-7460/AmendedComplaint09022021.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903211852/https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/High-Profile-Cases/27-CR-21-7460/AmendedComplaint09022021.pdf |archive-date=September 3, 2021 |access-date=August 16, 2023 |website=www.mncourts.gov |publisher=Minnesota District Court 4th Judicial District}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Sullivan |first=Becky |date=December 8, 2021 |title=Trial begins for ex-officer Kim Potter, who fatally shot Daunte Wright |work=National Public Radio |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/12/08/1062454063/trial-begins-kim-potter-shot-daunte-wright-taser-opening-statements#:~:text=In%2026%20years%20on%20the,a%20month%20before%20the%20shooting. |access-date=August 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209073742/https://www.npr.org/2021/12/08/1062454063/trial-begins-kim-potter-shot-daunte-wright-taser-opening-statements |archive-date=December 9, 2021}}</ref>
Alayna Albrecht-Payton, a 20-year-old resident of Saint Paul, Minnesota,<ref name="Hyatt-2022">{{Cite news |last=Hyatt |first=Kim |date=August 1, 2022 |title=Daunte Wright's girlfriend sues Kim Potter for broken jaw, PTSD after shooting, crash |work=Star Tribune |url=https://www.startribune.com/passenger-girlfriend-of-daunte-wright-sues-kim-potter-for-broken-jaw-ptsd-after-shooting-crash/600194817/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=August 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802010152/https://www.startribune.com/passenger-girlfriend-of-daunte-wright-sues-kim-potter-for-broken-jaw-ptsd-after-shooting-crash/600194817/ |archive-date=August 2, 2022}}</ref> and Wright's girlfriend, was sitting in the passenger's seat of the vehicle and was injured in the crash.<ref name="Rahman, Newsweek 2021.04.12 - Daunte Wright was with girlfriend">{{cite news |last1=Rahman |first1=Khaleda |date=April 12, 2021 |title=Daunte Wright's Girlfriend Was With Him When He Was Shot, His Mother Says |work=Newsweek |url=https://www.newsweek.com/daunte-wright-girlfriend-passenger-car-shot-mother-says-1582815 |url-status=live |access-date=April 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416030047/https://www.newsweek.com/daunte-wright-girlfriend-passenger-car-shot-mother-says-1582815 |archive-date=April 16, 2021}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Boone-20213">{{Cite news |last1=Boone |first1=Anna |last2=DeLong |first2=Matt |last3=McKinney |first3=Matt |last4= |date=April 15, 2021 |title=Breaking down the video: What happened during Daunte Wright's fatal traffic stop |work=Star Tribune |url=https://www.startribune.com/daunte-wright-brooklyn-center-minnesota-kim-potter-police-shooting-bodycam-taser-handgun/600021041/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=April 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416182857/https://www.startribune.com/daunte-wright-brooklyn-center-minnesota-kim-potter-police-shooting-bodycam-taser-handgun/600021041/ |archive-date=April 16, 2021}}</ref>
== Incident == {{OSM Location map | coord={{coord|45.06932|-93.3401}} | float=right| zoom =17 | width = 350 | height = 250 | mark-coord1 = {{coord|45.0692586|-93.3410705}} | mark-title1 = Wright pulled over, shot | shape1=n-circle | shape-outline1=White | mark-size1=17 | mark-coord2 = {{coord|45.0693900|-93.3392416}} | mark-title2 = Wright crashed car, pronounced dead | auto-caption = 1 }}
{{external media | float = right | width = 20em | video1 = {{YouTube|link=no|id=DKZ72LUqZ8Y|title=Raw footage of the shooting from Potter's body camera}} {{nowrap|(56 s)}} }}
===Traffic stop=== On April 11, 2021, Wright was driving with Albrecht-Payton in a white 2011 Buick LaCrosse that was registered to his brother.<ref name="Walsh-2021">{{Cite news|last1=Walsh|first1=Paul|last2=Xiong|first2=Chao|last3=Olson|first3=Rochell|date=December 8, 2021|title=Daunte Wright's mother testifies of distraught moments after shooting|work=Star Tribune|url-access=limited|url=https://www.startribune.com/opening-statements-begin-in-manslaughter-kimberly-potter-trial/600124969/|access-date=December 8, 2021|archive-date=December 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208155111/https://www.startribune.com/opening-statements-begin-in-manslaughter-kimberly-potter-trial/600124969/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Andrew-2021" /> They were on their way to a car wash.<ref name="Winter-2021" /> 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.<ref name="Winter-2021">{{Cite news|last=Winter|first=Deena|date=December 8, 2021|title=Lawyers lay out opposing views of police shooting that killed Daunte Wright|work=Minnesota Reformer|url=https://minnesotareformer.com/2021/12/08/lawyers-lay-out-opposing-views-of-police-shooting-that-killed-daunte-wright/|access-date=December 8, 2021|archive-date=December 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208212617/https://minnesotareformer.com/2021/12/08/lawyers-lay-out-opposing-views-of-police-shooting-that-killed-daunte-wright/|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Winter-2021" /> At 1:53{{nbsp}}p.m. local time,<ref name="Boone-20213"/> the trainee officer initiated a traffic stop of Wright's vehicle on 63rd Avenue North near Orchard Avenue<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 11, 2021 |title=BCA investigating after Brooklyn Center officer shoots, kills driver during traffic stop |url=https://kstp.com/minnesota-news/brooklyn-center-police-fatally-shoot-driver-during-traffic-stop-april-11-2021/6072013/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414185103/https://kstp.com/minnesota-news/brooklyn-center-police-fatally-shoot-driver-during-traffic-stop-april-11-2021/6072013/ |archive-date=April 14, 2021 |access-date=April 14, 2021 |website=KSTP-TV |language=en}}</ref> and called for backup.<ref name="Winter-2021" /><ref name="Boone-20213"/>
After pulling the vehicle over, the trainee officer approached Wright's vehicle.<ref name="Boone-20213"/> Wright provided his name<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Vera |first1=Amir |last2=Hanna |first2=Jason |last3=Holcombe |first3=Madeline |date=April 15, 2021 |title=Protesters gather at Brooklyn Center police station hours after ex-officer is charged in the death of Daunte Wright |work=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/14/us/daunte-wright-minnesota-shooting-wednesday/index.html |access-date=August 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406190116/https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/14/us/daunte-wright-minnesota-shooting-wednesday/index.html |archive-date=April 6, 2023}}</ref> but did not have a driver's license or proof-of-insurance card.<ref name="Walsh-2021" /> The trainee officer returned to his squad car. Meanwhile, Wright phoned his mother.<ref name="Winter-2021" /> Potter's supervisor arrived on the scene, and the officers ran Wright's name through a police database.<ref name="Bogel-Burroughs-2022" /> 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,<ref name="Betz 2021">{{cite web|last=Betz|first=Bradford|date=April 13, 2021|title=Daunte Wright accused of choking and robbing woman at gunpoint, had arrest warrant|url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/daunte-wright-had-outstanding-warrant-for-attempted-aggravated-robbery-when-he-was-killed|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414123320/https://www.foxnews.com/us/daunte-wright-had-outstanding-warrant-for-attempted-aggravated-robbery-when-he-was-killed|archive-date=April 14, 2021|access-date=April 14, 2021|website=Fox News}}</ref><ref name="Winter-2021" /> and that there was a protective order against him by an unnamed woman.<ref name="Olson-2021" /> The officers decided to arrest Wright and ensure the passenger was not the same woman who had the protective order against him.<ref name="Winter-2021-2">{{Cite news |last=Winter |first=Deena |date=December 10, 2021 |title=Kimberly Potter's former supervisor says it was legal for her to fire gun at Daunte Wright |work=Minnesota Reformer |url=https://minnesotareformer.com/2021/12/10/potters-former-supervisor-says-it-was-legal-for-her-to-fire-gun-at-wright/ |url-status=live |access-date=December 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211002325/https://minnesotareformer.com/2021/12/10/potters-former-supervisor-says-it-was-legal-for-her-to-fire-gun-at-wright/ |archive-date=December 11, 2021}}</ref>
Police body camera footage showed Potter, her supervisor, and the trainee officer approaching the car.<ref name="one">{{cite news |last1=Navratil |first1=Liz |last2=Mannix |first2=Andy |date=April 12, 2021 |title=Chief: Officer meant to use Taser, not firearm, on Daunte Wright |newspaper=Star Tribune |location=Minneapolis, Minnesota |url=https://www.startribune.com/chief-officer-may-have-meant-to-use-taser-not-firearm-on-daunte-wright/600045076/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413173714/https://www.startribune.com/police-chief-officer-meant-to-use-taser-not-firearm-on-daunte-wright-brooklyn-center-shooting/600045076/ |archive-date=April 13, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Winter-2021-2" /> The trainee officer<ref name="Boone-20213"/> approached the driver's side door and the supervisor approached the passenger's side door.<ref name="one" /><ref name="Boone-20213"/> Potter, who was acting as a field training officer, initially stood back.<ref name="Boone-20213"/> The trainee officer informed Wright that there was a warrant for his arrest.<ref name="Boone-20213"/> 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.<ref name="Pioneer Press, 2021.04.15 - the criminal complaint against Potter">{{cite news |date=April 15, 2021 |title=Daunte Wright shooting: Read the criminal complaint against ex-officer Kim Potter |work=St. Paul Pioneer Press |url=https://www.twincities.com/2021/04/15/daunte-wright-read-criminal-complaint-kim-potter/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415193715/https://www.twincities.com/2021/04/15/daunte-wright-read-criminal-complaint-kim-potter/ |archive-date=April 15, 2021}}</ref>
After several moments, Potter approached Wright and the trainee and unsnapped her handgun holster.<ref name="one" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Winter|first=Deena|date=December 13, 2021|title=Taser, gun are focus of testimony in Potter trial|work=Minnesota Reformer|url=https://minnesotareformer.com/2021/12/13/taser-gun-are-focus-of-testimony-in-potter-trial/|access-date=December 13, 2021|archive-date=December 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214003912/https://minnesotareformer.com/2021/12/13/taser-gun-are-focus-of-testimony-in-potter-trial/|url-status=live}}</ref> She grabbed a piece of paper from the trainee with her right hand, then moved it to her left hand.<ref name="Boone-20213"/> Wright, who was unarmed, began to resist arrest, struggled with the officers, broke free, and stepped back into his car.<ref name="Bogel-Burroughs, NYT 2021.04.13: Officer Kimberly Potter Resigns">{{cite news |last1=Bogel-Burroughs |first1=Nicholas |last2=Bosman |first2=Julie |date=April 13, 2021 |title=Police Officer Who Shot and Killed Daunte Wright Was Training Others |newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/13/us/minnesota-officer-kim-potter-resigns.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417072604/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/13/us/minnesota-officer-kim-potter-resigns.html |archive-date=April 17, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Boone-20213"/> The supervisor had the passenger's side door open, and reached inside to prevent Wright from putting the car in gear.<ref name="Winter-2021" /> The trainee officer on the driver's side attempted to prevent Wright from obtaining control of the steering wheel.<ref name="Winter-2021" /><ref name="Winter-2021-2" /> 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.<ref name="www.mncourts.gov-2021" /> yelled, "Taser! Taser! Taser!"<ref name="st_first_article">{{Cite news|last1=Klecker|first1=Mara|last2=Hyatt|first2=Kim|last3=Sawyer|first3=Liz|last4=Mannix|first4=Andy|date=April 12, 2021|title=Brooklyn Center police fatally shoot man, 20, inflaming tensions during the Derek Chauvin trial|language=en|work=Star Tribune|location=Minneapolis, Minnesota|url-access=limited|url=https://www.startribune.com/brooklyn-center-police-fatally-shoot-man-20-inflaming-tensions-during-the-derek-chauvin-trial/600044821/|url-status=live|access-date=April 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412211625/https://www.startribune.com/brooklyn-center-police-fatally-shoot-man-20-inflaming-tensions-during-the-derek-chauvin-trial/600044821/|archive-date=April 12, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Allen|first1=Keith|last2=Broaddus|first2=Adrienne|last3=Silverman|first3=Hollie|last4=Sutton|first4=Joe|date=April 12, 2021|title=Minnesota officer shouted 'Taser!' but fired a gun instead, fatally shooting a man at a traffic stop, police say|work=CNN|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/12/us/brooklyn-center-minnesota-police-shooting/index.html|access-date=April 12, 2021|archive-date=April 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415013438/https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/12/us/brooklyn-center-minnesota-police-shooting/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Bogel-Burroughs, NYT 2021.04.15 - Potter charged with manslaughter">{{cite news|last1=Bogel-Burroughs|first1=Nicholas|last2=Bosman|first2=Julie|date=April 14, 2021|title=The Minnesota officer who killed Daunte Wright was charged with manslaughter|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/14/us/kim-potter-charged-daunte-wright.html|url-status=live|url-access=limited|access-date=April 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414163334/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/14/us/kim-potter-charged-daunte-wright.html|archive-date=April 14, 2021}}</ref> The supervisor released his hands from attempting to restrain Wright.<ref name="Olson-2021">{{Cite news|last1=Olson|first1=Rochelle|last2=Walsh|first2=Paul|last3=Xiong|first3=Chao|date=December 10, 2021|title=Kim Potter's former supervisor: Deadly force justified in Daunte Wright shooting|work=Star Tribune|url-access=limited|url=https://www.startribune.com/kim-potters-former-supervisor-deadly-force-justified-in-daunte-wright-shooting/600125927/|access-date=December 10, 2021|archive-date=December 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210234621/https://www.startribune.com/kim-potters-former-supervisor-deadly-force-justified-in-daunte-wright-shooting/600125927/|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Romo-2021">{{Cite news |last1=Romo |first1=Vanessa |last2=Sullivan |first2=Becky |last3=Hernandez |first3=Joe |date=December 21, 2021 |title=Kim Potter is found guilty of manslaughter in the death of Daunte Wright |work=National Public Radio |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/12/23/1066012247/kim-potter-trial-daunte-wright |access-date=August 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118010306/https://www.npr.org/2021/12/23/1066012247/kim-potter-trial-daunte-wright |archive-date=January 18, 2023}}</ref><ref name="www.mncourts.gov-2021" />
Potter's pistol, a Glock 9 mm model, was entirely black,<ref name="Bogel-Burroughs-2021-4" /> partially made of metal,<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Campbell|first1=Josh|last2=Berryman|first2=Kim|date=December 7, 2021|title=Inside one major police department's effort to prevent Taser mistakes|work=CNN|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/07/us/taser-training-guns-lapd-kim-potter/index.html|access-date=December 7, 2021|archive-date=December 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208043519/https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/07/us/taser-training-guns-lapd-kim-potter/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and weighed {{convert|2.11|lb}} when loaded.<ref name="Hayes-2021">{{cite news |last=Hayes |first=Mike |date=December 8, 2021 |title=Prosecutor says Potter's gun weighed "more than twice as much" as Taser |work=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/kim-potter-trial-opening-statements/h_048bd51c1086f3e9d8feb60a4f57b35a |access-date=December 8, 2021 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222210922/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/kim-potter-trial-opening-statements/h_048bd51c1086f3e9d8feb60a4f57b35a |archive-date=December 22, 2021}}</ref> Her Taser, made of plastic, was mostly yellow,<ref>{{cite news |last=Alfonseca |first=Kiara |date=April 15, 2021 |title=Daunte Wright shooting: Other officers have mistaken their guns for stun guns |work=ABC News |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/daunte-wright-shooting-officers-mistaken-guns-stun-guns/story?id=77049415 |access-date=December 22, 2021 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211040230/https://abcnews.go.com/US/daunte-wright-shooting-officers-mistaken-guns-stun-guns/story?id=77049415 |archive-date=February 11, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hubler |first1=Shawn |last2=White |first2=Jeremy |date=April 13, 2021 |title=How Could an Officer Mistake a Gun for a Taser? |language=en-US|work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/04/13/us/daunte-wright-taser-gun.html |access-date=December 22, 2021 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214200505/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/04/13/us/daunte-wright-taser-gun.html |archive-date=February 14, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Bogel-Burroughs-2021-4">{{cite news |last=Bogel-Burroughs |first=Nicholas |date=December 20, 2021 |title=Key Moments in the Kimberly Potter Trial Over Daunte Wright's Death |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/article/kimberly-potter-trial-daunte-wright-takeaways.html |access-date=December 22, 2021 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103055855/https://www.nytimes.com/article/kimberly-potter-trial-daunte-wright-takeaways.html |archive-date=January 3, 2022}}</ref> and weighed {{convert|0.94|lb}}.<ref name="Pioneer Press, 2021.04.15 - the criminal complaint against Potter" /><ref name="Siemaszko, NBC News 2021.04.13 - difference between Potter's black metal gun vs. yellow plastic taser">{{cite news |last1=Siemaszko |first1=Corky |date=April 13, 2021 |title=How a veteran officer could have mistaken a Glock for a Taser in the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright |work=NBC News |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/how-veteran-officer-could-have-mistaken-glock-taser-fatal-shooting-n1263976 |url-status=live |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418161959/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/how-veteran-officer-could-have-mistaken-glock-taser-fatal-shooting-n1263976 |archive-date=April 18, 2021 |ref=NBC News}}</ref><ref name="Hayes-2021" /> Potter was holding her gun for 5.5 seconds before discharging it.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Collins|first1=Jon|last2=Moini|first2=Nina|last3=Sepic|first3=Matt|date=December 8, 2021|title=Kimberly Potter trial: Emotions high as video of Wright killing plays in court|work=Minnesota Public Radio|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2021/12/08/kimberly-potter-trial-daunte-wright|access-date=December 8, 2021|archive-date=December 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208135831/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2021/12/08/kimberly-potter-trial-daunte-wright|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="HS" /> Immediately after shooting Wright, she was still holding the piece of paper with her left hand.<ref name="Boone-20213"/><ref name="Walsh-2021-2">{{Cite news|last1=Walsh|first1=Paul|last2=Xiong|first2=Chao|last3=Olson|first3=Rochelle|date=December 17, 2021|title=Kimberly Potter defense rests; closing arguments set for Monday|work=Star Tribune|url-access=limited|url=https://www.startribune.com/kimberly-potter-poised-to-testify-after-psychologist-takes-the-stand/600128046/|access-date=December 18, 2021|archive-date=December 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218013623/https://www.startribune.com/kimberly-potter-poised-to-testify-after-psychologist-takes-the-stand/600128046/|url-status=live}}</ref>
As Wright sped off in his vehicle, body camera footage recorded as Potter said to the other officers, "Oh shit, I just shot him."<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Cop Who Killed Daunte Wright Meant To Tase Him But Accidentally Fired Her Gun, Police Said |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/juliareinstein/daunte-wright-minnesota-shooting-brooklyn-center |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412182328/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/juliareinstein/daunte-wright-minnesota-shooting-brooklyn-center |archive-date=April 12, 2021 |access-date=April 12, 2021 |website=BuzzFeed News |language=en}}</ref>{{efn| The ''Star Tribune'' says Potter said, "Holy shit! I just shot him."<ref name="Boone-20213"/>}} Potter continued, "I grabbed the wrong fucking gun", as she collapsed to the curb and placed her head in her hands.<ref name="Winter-2021-2" /><ref name="Keller-2021">{{Cite web |last=Keller |first=Aaron |date=December 8, 2021 |title=Prosecutor Scolds Kimberly Potter for Killing Daunte Wright: 'There Is No Do-Over When You Walk the Streets with a Loaded Firearm' |url=https://lawandcrime.com/live-trials/live-trials-current/kim-potter/prosecutor-scolds-kimberly-potter-for-killing-daunte-wright-there-is-no-do-over-when-you-walk-the-streets-with-a-loaded-firearm/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220095337/https://lawandcrime.com/live-trials/live-trials-current/kim-potter/prosecutor-scolds-kimberly-potter-for-killing-daunte-wright-there-is-no-do-over-when-you-walk-the-streets-with-a-loaded-firearm/ |archive-date=December 20, 2021 |access-date=August 13, 2023 |website=Law & Crime |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Romo-2021" /> She later added, "I'm going to prison. I just killed a boy."<ref name="Winter-2021-2" /><ref name="Keller-2021" />
=== Car crash === alt=A group of people gather on a sidewalk along a street. There are candles, flowers, and a large, wooden fist sculpture.|thumb|On April 12, 2021, people gather at the location of Wright's death the day prior. Wright, who had driven off after being shot,<ref name="mpr">{{Cite web |date=April 11, 2021 |title=One dead in police shooting in Brooklyn Center; tear gas deployed to clear protesters |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2021/04/11/authorities-investigating-police-shooting-in-brooklyn-center |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412004019/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2021/04/11/authorities-investigating-police-shooting-in-brooklyn-center |archive-date=April 12, 2021 |access-date=April 12, 2021 |website=Minnesota Public Radio}}</ref><ref name="www.mncourts.gov-2021" /> traveled for about {{Convert|470|ft|m}} when his vehicle collided with another near the intersection of 63rd Avenue North and Kathrene Drive.<ref name="Protesters Clash With Police In Brooklyn Center After Deadly Officer-2021-2">{{Cite web |date=April 12, 2021 |title=Protesters Clash With Police In Brooklyn Center After Deadly Officer-Involved Shooting |url=https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2021/04/12/bca-reporting-to-officer-involved-shooting-in-brooklyn-center/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412145310/https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2021/04/12/bca-reporting-to-officer-involved-shooting-in-brooklyn-center/ |archive-date=April 12, 2021 |access-date=April 14, 2021 |publisher=WCCO-TV |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=April 12, 2021 |title=Police killing of Daunte Wright in Minnesota sparks protests |work=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2021/04/12/brooklyn-center-minnesota-daunte-wright-police-shooting-vpx.cnn |access-date=April 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412131428/https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2021/04/12/brooklyn-center-minnesota-daunte-wright-police-shooting-vpx.cnn |archive-date=April 12, 2021}}</ref> After the crash, one officer approached Wright's vehicle with a gun drawn.<ref name="Sandberg-2021">{{Cite news |last1=Sandberg |first1=Diane |last2=Thiede |first2=Dana |last3=Fischer |first3=Samantha |date=December 9, 2021 |title=Kim Potter Trial: Daunte Wright's girlfriend recalls fatal shooting; judge denies defense's motion for mistrial |work=KARE-TV |url=https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/daunte-wright/kim-potter-trial-daunte-wright-brooklyn-center/89-b8f34280-868d-49f2-9012-dca23da0b0bb |url-status=live |access-date=August 9, 2023 |archive-date=August 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822110222/https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/daunte-wright/kim-potter-trial-daunte-wright-brooklyn-center/89-b8f34280-868d-49f2-9012-dca23da0b0bb }}</ref> Another officer checked Wright's pulse and, after not detecting one, administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while they awaited the arrival of paramedics.<ref name="Sandberg-2021" /> 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.<ref name="Bogel-Burroughs-2021-3" /><ref name="Sandberg-2021" /> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last3=Ferkenhoff |first=Ryan W. |last=Miller |first2=Elinor |last2=Aspegren |first3=Eric |title=Protests erupt after death of Daunte Wright, 20-year-old Black man shot by police during traffic stop: What we know |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/04/12/daunte-wright-police-shooting-near-minneapolis-protest-what-to-know/7185768002/ |access-date=April 12, 2021 |website=USA Today |language=en-US |archive-date=April 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412121737/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/04/12/daunte-wright-police-shooting-near-minneapolis-protest-what-to-know/7185768002/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Protests erupt in Minneapolis suburb after deadly officer-involved shooting |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/duane-wright-killed-police-brooklyn-center-minnesota-protests/ |access-date=April 12, 2021 |website=CBS News |language=en-US |archive-date=April 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412131535/https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/duane-wright-killed-police-brooklyn-center-minnesota-protests/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Hyatt-2022" />
== Investigations and criminal charges == === Brooklyn Center police response === thumb|Brooklyn Center Police Station, April 12, 2021.|alt=Police officers standing outside the Brooklyn Center police station following the shooting 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.<ref name="youtube.com">{{Citation|title=WATCH: Brooklyn Center mayor holds press conference after police shooting of Daunte Wright| date=April 12, 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vDjPRcn3cM|language=en|access-date=April 20, 2021|archive-date=April 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420054740/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vDjPRcn3cM|url-status=live}}</ref> He said Potter intended to use a Taser on Wright, but pulled out and discharged her gun instead.<ref name="MPR-apr12">{{cite web |last1=Sepic |first1=Matt |last2=Moini |first2=Nina |last3=Cox |first3=Peter |last4=Nelson |first4=Tim |title=Brooklyn Center chief: Cop meant to use Taser on Wright; curfew in effect in metro area |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2021/04/12/fatal-police-shooting-in-brooklyn-center-sparks-unrest |website=Minnesota Public Radio |access-date=April 14, 2021 |language=en |date=April 12, 2021 |archive-date=April 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412212537/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2021/04/12/fatal-police-shooting-in-brooklyn-center-sparks-unrest |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="CBSNews13April3">{{cite web|last1=Dakss|first1=Brian|last2=Sundby|first2=Alex|last3=Freiman|first3=Jordan|date=April 13, 2021|title=Second night of unrest after fatal police shooting of Daunte Wright outside Minneapolis|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/daunte-wright-killed-police-brooklyn-center-minnesota-protests-second-night/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413063748/https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/daunte-wright-killed-police-brooklyn-center-minnesota-protests-second-night/|archive-date=April 13, 2021|access-date=April 13, 2021|website=CBS News}}</ref> Potter was placed on administrative leave by the Brooklyn Center police pending further investigation.<ref name="one" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Freiman |first1=Jordan |title=Officer who shot Daunte Wright identified |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/daunte-wright-killed-police-brooklyn-center-minnesota-protests-second-night/#post-update-6034bfc7 |website=CBS News |access-date=April 14, 2021 |language=en |date=April 12, 2021 |archive-date=April 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413063748/https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/daunte-wright-killed-police-brooklyn-center-minnesota-protests-second-night/#post-update-6034bfc7 |url-status=live }}</ref>
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".<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Bosman |first1=Julie |last2=Bogel-Burroughs |first2=Nicholas |date=April 13, 2021 |title=The officer who fatally shot Daunte Wright just resigned, as did the chief of police. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/13/us/kim-potter-daunte-wright-resigns.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=April 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414000657/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/13/us/kim-potter-daunte-wright-resigns.html |archive-date=April 14, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The Brooklyn Center City Council had recommended their firing during an emergency meeting on April 12.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Miller |first1=Kevin |title=Brooklyn Center City Council recommends firing police chief, officer after shooting |url=https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_post/free/brooklyn-center-city-council-recommends-firing-police-chief-officer-after-shooting/article_cf702650-9c01-11eb-93de-3f041222b315.html |website=Sun Post |access-date=April 13, 2021 |language=en |date=April 12, 2021 |archive-date=April 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413200443/https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_post/free/brooklyn-center-city-council-recommends-firing-police-chief-officer-after-shooting/article_cf702650-9c01-11eb-93de-3f041222b315.html |url-status=live }}</ref> According to ''The Independent'', Potter fled her home for safety reasons after her address was leaked on social media.<ref name="Crump & Vallejo, The Independent 2021.04.13: Kim Potter flees home">{{cite news|last1=Crump|first1=James|last2=Vallejo|first2=Justin|date=April 13, 2021|title=Daunte Wright news: Kim Potter flees home as unrest expected ahead of charging decision Wednesday|work=The Independent|url=https://news.yahoo.com/minnesota-protests-live-40-arrested-114949472.html|url-status=live|access-date=April 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415080922/https://news.yahoo.com/minnesota-protests-live-40-arrested-114949472.html|archive-date=April 15, 2021}}</ref> Police established a security presence around the house and erected cement barricades and fencing.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hoffland |first=Brett |date=April 15, 2021 |title=Champlin neighbors react to heightened security at home of former officer Kim Potter |work=KSTP-TV |url=https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/champlin-neighbors-react-to-heightened-security-at-home-of-former-officer-kim-potter/ |access-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321113820/https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/champlin-neighbors-react-to-heightened-security-at-home-of-former-officer-kim-potter/ |archive-date=March 21, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Van Oot |first=Torey |date=April 19, 2021 |title=Minnesota city spent over $9,000 to protect home of former officer who shot Daunte Wright |work=Axios |url=https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/04/19/kim-potter-duante-wright-shooting-home-protection-costs |access-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230720201703/https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/04/19/kim-potter-duante-wright-shooting-home-protection-costs |archive-date=July 20, 2023}}</ref>
=== State and county investigation === 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.<ref name="one" /><ref name="reuters">{{Cite news |last=Allen |first=Jonathan |date=April 12, 2021 |title=Protests erupt after police shoot Black man in Minneapolis traffic stop |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-minnesota-shooting-idUSKBN2BZ05U |url-status=live |access-date=April 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412052233/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-minnesota-shooting-idUSKBN2BZ05U |archive-date=April 12, 2021}}</ref><ref name="MPR-apr12" /> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Nelson |first=Joe |date=April 12, 2021 |title=Medical examiner: Daunte Wright died of gunshot wound to the chest; manner of death homicide |work=Bring Me The News |url=https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-news/medical-examiner-details-daunte-wright-death-rules-it-a-homicide |access-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412230403/https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-news/medical-examiner-details-daunte-wright-death-rules-it-a-homicide |archive-date=April 12, 2021}}</ref> 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.<ref name="one" /> Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott called on Governor Tim Walz to reassign the case to the office of the State Attorney General Keith Ellison.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Forgey |first1=Quint |title=Mayor asks for Minnesota attorney general to take up Daunte Wright shooting case |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/04/13/daunte-wright-case-481182 |website=Politico |access-date=April 15, 2021 |language=en |date=April 13, 2021 |archive-date=April 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415232014/https://www.politico.com/news/2021/04/13/daunte-wright-case-481182 |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Arrest and criminal charges === [[File:Brooklyn Center - April 14, 2021 - Daunte Wright Protests (51117807944).jpg|alt=Police officers standing outside the Brooklyn Center police station following the shooting|thumb|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.<ref name="potter-charged-wilson">{{cite news|last1=Wong|first1=Wilson|last2=Hampton|first2=Deon J.|date=April 14, 2021|title=Ex-officer Kim Potter to be charged with second-degree manslaughter in Daunte Wright case|work=NBC News|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ex-officer-kim-potter-be-charged-2nd-degree-manslaughter-daunte-n1264025|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414161907/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ex-officer-kim-potter-be-charged-2nd-degree-manslaughter-daunte-n1264025|archive-date=April 14, 2021|access-date=April 14, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Bogel-Burroughs, NYT 2021.04.15 - Potter charged with manslaughter" /><ref name="Pioneer Press, 2021.04.15 - the criminal complaint against Potter" /> 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.<ref name="Pioneer Press, 2021.04.15 - the criminal complaint against Potter" />
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.<ref name="KSTP 2021.04.14 - Potter Arrested">{{cite news|date=April 14, 2021|title=Former Brooklyn Center officer arrested, to be charged with manslaughter in Daunte Wright's death|work=KSTP-TV|url=https://kstp.com/news/former-brooklyn-center-police-officer-potter-to-be-charged-with-second-degree-manslaughter-in-daunte-wright-shooting-death/6074947/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414160230/https://kstp.com/news/former-brooklyn-center-police-officer-potter-to-be-charged-with-second-degree-manslaughter-in-daunte-wright-shooting-death/6074947/|archive-date=April 14, 2021|accessdate=April 14, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 14, 2021 |title=Daunte Wright Shooting: Fmr. Officer Kim Potter Released From Jail Hours After Arrest For Manslaughter Charges |url=https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2021/04/14/daunte-wright-shooting-fmr-brooklyn-center-officer-kim-potter-arrested-charged-with-2nd-degree-manslaughter/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229004711/https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2021/04/14/daunte-wright-shooting-fmr-brooklyn-center-officer-kim-potter-arrested-charged-with-2nd-degree-manslaughter/ |archive-date=December 29, 2021 |access-date=April 15, 2021 |work=WCCO-TV |language=en}}</ref> Potter briefly made her first court appearance via Zoom on April 15 before Hennepin County Judge Regina Chu.<ref name="FirstCourtAppearance">{{cite web |last1=Sullivan |first1=Becky |title=Officer Who Killed Daunte Wright Makes 1st Court Appearance In Manslaughter Case |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/04/15/987795222/officer-who-killed-daunte-wright-makes-first-court-appearance-in-manslaughter-ca |work=National Public Radio |access-date=April 15, 2021 |language=en |date=April 15, 2021 |archive-date=April 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415235620/https://www.npr.org/2021/04/15/987795222/officer-who-killed-daunte-wright-makes-first-court-appearance-in-manslaughter-ca |url-status=live }}</ref> Potter was represented by Earl Gray, a Saint Paul-based attorney who also defended Thomas Lane and Jeronimo Yanez, who were involved with the murder of George Floyd and killing of Philando Castile, respectively.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sanchez |first1=Ray |title=Here's what we know about Kim Potter, the officer who fatally shot Daunte Wright |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/13/us/kim-potter-daunte-wright-police-shooting/index.html |website=CNN |access-date=April 14, 2021 |language=en |date=April 13, 2021 |archive-date=April 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414000424/https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/13/us/kim-potter-daunte-wright-police-shooting/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
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.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Skluzacek|first=Josh|date=May 21, 2021|title=AG Ellison's office to lead prosecution of officer charged in Daunte Wright's death|work=KSTP|url=https://kstp.com/news/ag-ellisons-office-to-lead-prosecution-of-officer-charged-in-daunte-wrights-death/6116889/|access-date=May 21, 2021|archive-date=May 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521182954/https://kstp.com/news/ag-ellisons-office-to-lead-prosecution-of-officer-charged-in-daunte-wrights-death/6116889/|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Omastiak-2021">{{Cite news|last=Omastiak|first=Rebecca|date=September 2, 2021|title=State adds 1st-degree manslaughter charge against former officer Kim Potter|work=KSTP-TV|url=https://kstp.com/news/state-adds-first-degree-manslaughter-charge-against-former-officer-kim-potter/6224810/|access-date=September 2, 2021|archive-date=September 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902201014/https://kstp.com/news/state-adds-first-degree-manslaughter-charge-against-former-officer-kim-potter/6224810/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
== Protests and unrest == thumb|Protesters gather near the location in Brooklyn Center where Wright died, on the evening of April 11, 2021.|alt=Protesters near the location where Wright was killed, facing a police officer in riot gear{{main|Daunte Wright protests|List of Daunte Wright protests}}
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.<ref name="Vinopal-2021">{{Cite news |last=Vinopal |first=Courtney |date=April 14, 2021 |title=What we know about Daunte Wright's killing, and what it says about policing in America |work=PBS News Hour |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/what-we-know-about-daunte-wrights-killing-and-what-it-says-about-policing-in-america |access-date=August 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416164514/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/what-we-know-about-daunte-wrights-killing-and-what-it-says-about-policing-in-america |archive-date=April 16, 2023}}</ref> The criminal trial of Derek Chauvin, the police officer who murdered 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 killing furthered public discussion about police training and accountability<ref name="Vinopal-2021" /> and renewed focus on the Black Lives Matter movement.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allsop |first=Jon |date=April 13, 2021 |title=Daunte Wright, George Floyd, and a renewed focus on police brutality |url=https://www.cjr.org/the_media_today/daunte_wright_george_floyd_minneapolis.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414200324/https://www.cjr.org/the_media_today/daunte_wright_george_floyd_minneapolis.php |archive-date=April 14, 2021 |access-date=August 11, 2023 |website=Columbia Journalism Review |language=en}}</ref>
Following the shooting, mourners and protesters gathered near the scene to demand justice for Wright.<ref name="The Independent-2021">{{Cite web |last=Buncombe |first=Andrew |date=April 12, 2021 |title=Protesters demand justice over police shooting of 20-year-old Black man in Minneapolis suburbs |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/daunte-wright-minneapolis-police-shooting-b1829907.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412061029/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/daunte-wright-minneapolis-police-shooting-b1829907.html |archive-date=April 12, 2021 |access-date=April 12, 2021 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref><ref name="ProtestsGrow2">{{cite web|last1=Sullivan|first1=Becky|date=April 13, 2021|title=Protests Grow In Minnesota And Around U.S. Over Death of Daunte Wright|url=https://www.npr.org/2021/04/13/986764183/protests-grow-in-minnesota-and-around-u-s-over-death-of-daunte-wright|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413181038/https://www.npr.org/2021/04/13/986764183/protests-grow-in-minnesota-and-around-u-s-over-death-of-daunte-wright|archive-date=April 13, 2021|access-date=April 13, 2021|website=National Public Radio|language=en}}</ref><ref name="Curfews">{{cite web|last1=Gottfried|first1=Mara|date=April 12, 2021|title=Hundreds ignore curfew to protest Daunte Wright shooting outside Brooklyn Center P.D.|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/nighttime-curfew-going-into-effect-in-ramsey-hennepin-anoka-counties-after-brooklyn-center-officer-fatally-shoots-man/ar-BB1fzUzC|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412223631/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/nighttime-curfew-going-into-effect-in-ramsey-hennepin-anoka-counties-after-brooklyn-center-officer-fatally-shoots-man/ar-BB1fzUzC|archive-date=April 12, 2021|access-date=April 13, 2021|work=MSN|language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Goyette|first1=Jared|last2=Salcedo|first2=Andrea|title=Police fatally shoot man, 20, in suburban Minneapolis, sparking protests|language=en-US|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/04/11/daunte-wright-brooklyn-center-minnesota|url-status=dead|access-date=April 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412024307/https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/04/11/daunte-wright-brooklyn-center-minnesota/|archive-date=April 12, 2021|issn=0190-8286}}</ref> Officers with riot control equipment arrived, formed a line, and moved in when demonstrators began climbing on police vehicles and throwing bricks.<ref name="Brown-411">{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Kyle|date=April 11, 2021|title=Police shoot, kill driver during traffic stop in Brooklyn Center|work=KSTP-TV|url=https://kstp.com/news/bca-investigating-police-shooting-in-brooklyn-center/6072013/?cat=1|url-status=live|access-date=April 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412052939/https://kstp.com/news/bca-investigating-police-shooting-in-brooklyn-center/6072013/?cat=1|archive-date=April 12, 2021}}</ref><ref name="st_first_article" /><ref name="Belcamino-411">{{Cite news|last=Belcamino|first=Kristi|date=April 11, 2021|title=Man dies after being shot by police in Brooklyn Center; BCA investigating|work=St. Paul Pioneer Press|url=https://www.twincities.com/2021/04/11/police-fatally-shoot-man-in-brooklyn-center-sunday-bca-investigating/|url-status=live|access-date=April 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414201727/https://www.twincities.com/2021/04/11/police-fatally-shoot-man-in-brooklyn-center-sunday-bca-investigating/|archive-date=April 14, 2021}}</ref> Police fired tear gas into the crowd and used non-lethal ammunition.<ref name="clash">{{Cite news|last1=Woltman|first1=Nick|last2=Belcamino|first2=Kristi|date=April 11, 2021|title=Police clash with protesters in Brooklyn Center after officer fatally shoots man during traffic stop|work=St. Paul Pioneer Press|url=https://www.twincities.com/2021/04/11/police-fatally-shoot-man-in-brooklyn-center-sunday-bca-investigating/|access-date=June 15, 2021|archive-date=April 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414201727/https://www.twincities.com/2021/04/11/police-fatally-shoot-man-in-brooklyn-center-sunday-bca-investigating/|url-status=live}}</ref> There were also reports of looting, damaged property, and vandalized police vehicles.<ref name="mpr" /> 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.<ref name="WCCO-4122">{{Cite news |author= |date=April 11, 2021 |title=Protesters Clash With Police In Brooklyn Center After Deadly Officer-Involved Shooting |work=WCCO-TV |url=https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2021/04/11/bca-reporting-to-officer-involved-shooting-in-brooklyn-center/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412064050/https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2021/04/11/bca-reporting-to-officer-involved-shooting-in-brooklyn-center/ |archive-date=April 12, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Allen-412">{{Cite news|last1=Allen |first1=Keith |last2=Broaddus |first2=Adrienne |last3=Silverman |first3=Hollie |last4=Sutton |first4=Joe|date=April 12, 2021|title=Minnesota National Guard deployed after protests over the police killing of a man during a traffic stop|work=CNN|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/12/us/brooklyn-center-minnesota-police-shooting/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=April 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415013438/https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/12/us/brooklyn-center-minnesota-police-shooting/index.html|archive-date=April 15, 2021}}</ref> Mayor Mike Elliott imposed a curfew until 6 a.m. the next morning and closed schools for the following day.<ref name="Allen-412" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=One dead in police shooting in Brooklyn Center; tear gas deployed to clear protesters|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2021/04/11/authorities-investigating-police-shooting-in-brooklyn-center|access-date=February 19, 2022|website=Minnesota Public Radio|date=April 11, 2021 |language=en|archive-date=April 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412004019/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2021/04/11/authorities-investigating-police-shooting-in-brooklyn-center|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref name="ProtestsGrow2" /> 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.<ref name="Winter-413">{{Cite news |last1=Ailworth |first1=Erin |last2=West |first2=Melanie Grayce |last3=Winter |first3=Deena |date=April 13, 2021 |title=Minneapolis Braces for Another Night of Unrest After Daunte Wright Shooting |newspaper=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/minneapolis-braces-for-another-night-of-unrest-after-daunte-wright-shooting-11618262735 |url-status=live |access-date=April 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412223629/https://www.wsj.com/articles/minneapolis-braces-for-another-night-of-unrest-after-daunte-wright-shooting-11618262735 |archive-date=April 12, 2021 |via=}}</ref><ref name="MSN-412c">{{Cite web|title=Nighttime curfew going into effect in metro area after Brooklyn Center officer fatally shoots man|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/nighttime-curfew-going-into-effect-in-ramsey-hennepin-anoka-counties-after-brooklyn-center-officer-fatally-shoots-man/ar-BB1fzUzC|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412223631/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/nighttime-curfew-going-into-effect-in-ramsey-hennepin-anoka-counties-after-brooklyn-center-officer-fatally-shoots-man/ar-BB1fzUzC|archive-date=April 12, 2021|access-date=April 12, 2021|website=MSN}}</ref><ref name="knsi">{{Cite web|last=Dryden|first=Dene|date=April 12, 2021|title=Curfew Set, Law Enforcement Presence Ramps Up in Twin Cities Metro After Sunday's Fatal Police Shooting, Rioting|url=https://knsiradio.com/2021/04/12/curfew-set-law-enforcement-presence-ramps-up-in-twin-cities-metro-after-sundays-fatal-police-shooting-rioting/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412220206/https://knsiradio.com/2021/04/12/curfew-set-law-enforcement-presence-ramps-up-in-twin-cities-metro-after-sundays-fatal-police-shooting-rioting/|archive-date=April 12, 2021|access-date=April 13, 2021|website=KNSI}}</ref><ref name="star">{{Cite web|last=Harlow|first=Tim|date=April 12, 2021|title=Brooklyn Center mayor takes on oversight of police department, fires city manager|url-access=limited|url=https://www.startribune.com/brooklyn-center-mayor-takes-on-oversight-of-police-department-fires-city-manager/600045002/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413005359/https://www.startribune.com/brooklyn-center-mayor-takes-on-oversight-of-police-department-fires-city-manager/600045002/|archive-date=April 13, 2021|access-date=April 17, 2021|website=Star Tribune}}</ref>thumb|Protest at Brooklyn Center police station, April 12, 2021.|alt=Protesters on the street outside the Brooklyn Center police department as law enforcement stand on the other side of a fenceProtests, 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.<ref name="Keith-416a">{{Cite news|last=Keith|first=Theo|date=April 16, 2021|title=Walz: Tear gas in Brooklyn Center meant to avoid another police station burning|work=KMST-TV|url=https://www.fox9.com/news/walz-tear-gas-in-brooklyn-center-meant-to-avoid-another-police-station-burning|url-status=live|access-date=April 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415234547/https://www.fox9.com/news/walz-tear-gas-in-brooklyn-center-meant-to-avoid-another-police-station-burning|archive-date=April 15, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Craig-418">{{Cite news|last1=Craig|first1=Tim|last2=Bailey|first2=Holly|title=Minneapolis braces for unrest as Derek Chauvin trial enters final phase|language=en-US|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/minneapolis-derek-chauvin-verdict-protests-preparation/2021/04/18/9ee4d904-9f9e-11eb-b7a8-014b14aeb9e4_story.html|url-status=live|access-date=April 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419114238/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/minneapolis-derek-chauvin-verdict-protests-preparation/2021/04/18/9ee4d904-9f9e-11eb-b7a8-014b14aeb9e4_story.html|archive-date=April 19, 2021|issn=0190-8286}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Huppert |first=Boyd |date=April 16, 2021 |title=Air fresheners become a symbol following the death of Daunte Wright |work=KARE-TV |url=https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/daunte-wright/air-fresheners-become-a-symbol-following-the-death-of-daunte-wright/89-3278aab4-2d78-4dd6-a9af-7ba9f7586be5 |url-status=live |access-date=April 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20210417152437/https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/daunte-wright/air-fresheners-become-a-symbol-following-the-death-of-daunte-wright/89-3278aab4-2d78-4dd6-a9af-7ba9f7586be5 |archive-date=April 17, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Baker-2021">{{Cite news |last1=Baker |first1=Mike |last2=Bogel-Burroughs |first2=Nicholas |date=April 17, 2021 |title=How a Common Air Freshener Can Result in a High-Stakes Traffic Stop |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/17/us/police-air-fresheners.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417193908/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/17/us/police-air-fresheners.html |archive-date=April 17, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> 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.<ref name="CBSNews13April3" /> In media interviews, Wright's family thanked people for protesting and advocating for justice and encouraged people to protest peacefully.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Winsor|first1=Morgan|last2=Shapiro|first2=Emily|date=April 13, 2021|title=Daunte Wright's parents speak out after shooting in ABC News exclusive: 'He's never coming back'|language=en|work=ABC News|location=New York, New York|format=video|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/daunte-wrights-parents-speak-shooting-abc-news-exclusive/story?id=77038845&cid=clicksource_4380645_3_heads_hero_live_hero_hed|url-status=live|access-date=April 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413165654/https://abcnews.go.com/US/daunte-wrights-parents-speak-shooting-abc-news-exclusive/story?id=77038845&cid=clicksource_4380645_3_heads_hero_live_hero_hed|archive-date=April 13, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|author-link=|date=April 12, 2021|title='I Just Want My Baby Home': Mother Of Daunte Wright Speaks Out Following Brooklyn Center Police Shooting|newspaper=WCCO-TV|url=https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2021/04/12/i-just-want-my-baby-home-mother-of-daunte-wright-speaks-out-following-brooklyn-center-police-shooting/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412221522/https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2021/04/12/i-just-want-my-baby-home-mother-of-daunte-wright-speaks-out-following-brooklyn-center-police-shooting/|archive-date=April 12, 2021}}</ref> Demonstrations resumed during the trial of Kimberly Potter in late 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|date=November 30, 2021|title=Driver forces car through crowd during Minneapolis protest on Kim Potter trial|work=KMSP-TV|url=https://www.fox9.com/news/driver-forces-car-through-crowd-during-minneapolis-protest-outside-kim-potter-trial|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201012657/https://www.fox9.com/news/driver-forces-car-through-crowd-during-minneapolis-protest-outside-kim-potter-trial|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Reactions ==
=== Public officials === thumb|Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliot, April 20, 2021.|alt=Mike Elliot, mayor of Brooklyn Center, speaking to the press 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.<ref name="clash" /><ref name="PotterBio" /> 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.<ref name="Protesters Clash With Police In Brooklyn Center After Deadly Officer-2021">{{Cite web|date=April 12, 2021|title=Protesters Clash With Police In Brooklyn Center After Deadly Officer-Involved Shooting|url=https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2021/04/12/bca-reporting-to-officer-involved-shooting-in-brooklyn-center/|access-date=April 12, 2021|language=en-US|archive-date=April 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412103656/https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2021/04/12/bca-reporting-to-officer-involved-shooting-in-brooklyn-center/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Chavez-2021">{{Cite web |author=Chavez |first1=Nicole |last2=Broaddus |first2=Adrienne |date=April 19, 2021 |title=Minnesota's Twin Cities are once again the national flashpoint over race and policing |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/19/us/brooklyn-center-daunte-wright-twin-cities/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419235739/https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/19/us/brooklyn-center-daunte-wright-twin-cities/index.html |archive-date=April 19, 2021 |access-date=April 20, 2021 |website=CNN}}</ref>
City Manager Curt Boganey was fired on April 12, giving Mayor Elliott command authority over the city police force.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 13, 2021 |title=Daunte Wright shooting: Police chief resigns over black motorist's death |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-56740199 |url-status=live |access-date=April 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413184338/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-56740199 |archive-date=April 13, 2021}}</ref><ref name="PotterGannonResign">{{cite web |last1=Shapiro |first1=Emily |date=April 13, 2021 |title=Officer who shot, killed Daunte Wright and Brooklyn Center police chief both resign |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/police-officer-shot-killed-daunte-wright-resigns/story?id=77048421 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413173933/https://abcnews.go.com/US/police-officer-shot-killed-daunte-wright-resigns/story?id=77048421 |archive-date=April 13, 2021 |access-date=April 13, 2021 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref> The following day, Police Chief Tim Gannon announced his resignation, alongside that of Potter.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Not stated--> |title=Live updates: Curfew begins in Twin Cities after Daunte Wright shooting, some demonstrators remain |url=https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/live-updates-ahead-of-curfew-twin-cities-community-reacts-to-daunte-wright-shooting/89-54546d12-3eaa-49cf-88e3-8fd8818df3e8 |access-date=April 12, 2021 |work=KARE-TV |date=April 12, 2021 |archive-date=May 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524062853/https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/live-updates-ahead-of-curfew-twin-cities-community-reacts-to-daunte-wright-shooting/89-54546d12-3eaa-49cf-88e3-8fd8818df3e8 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Brooklyn Center City Council Recommends Firing Police Chief, Officer Immediately|url=https://ccxmedia.org/news/brooklyn-center-city-council-recommends-firing-police-chief-officer-immediately/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418173634/https://ccxmedia.org/news/brooklyn-center-city-council-recommends-firing-police-chief-officer-immediately/|archive-date=April 18, 2021|access-date=April 19, 2021|website=CCX Media|language=en-US}}</ref>
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."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Collins|first=Michael|title=Biden calls for 'peace and calm' after Daunte Wright shooting sparks protests in Minnesota|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/04/12/daunte-wright-police-shooting-white-house-saddened-over-death/7190534002/|access-date=April 12, 2021|website=USA Today|language=en-US|archive-date=April 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412182547/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/04/12/daunte-wright-police-shooting-white-house-saddened-over-death/7190534002/|url-status=live}}</ref> Vice President Kamala Harris said "Daunte's family ... needs answers" on Twitter.<ref name="Newland">{{Cite web |last1=Aspegren |first1=Elinor |last2=Newland |first2=Erik |title=Daunte Wright shooting: Protesters clash with police after curfew in Minnesota; Vice President Harris calls for 'justice and healing' |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/04/12/daunte-wright-shooting-protests-brooklyn-center-police/7197379002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413052516/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/04/12/daunte-wright-shooting-protests-brooklyn-center-police/7197379002/ |archive-date=April 13, 2021 |access-date=April 13, 2021 |website=USA Today |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Public figures and institutions === [[File:Minnesota NAACP president, Angela Rose Myers, speaking at a press conference across the street from police headquarters in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota (51117152793).jpg|alt=Angela Rose Myers, Minnesota NAACP president speaks to the press near the Brooklyn Center police station|thumb|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."<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 12, 2021|title=NAACP {{!}} NAACP President's Statement on Reckless Killing of Daunte Wright|url=https://www.naacp.org/latest/naacp-presidents-statement-on-reckless-killing-of-daunte-wright/|access-date=April 13, 2021|website=NAACP|language=en|archive-date=April 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412235355/https://www.naacp.org/latest/naacp-presidents-statement-on-reckless-killing-of-daunte-wright/|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.”<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lick |first=Val |date=April 13, 2021 |title='He was loved' {{!}} Daunte Wright's family shares grief, calls for prosecution |work=KARE-TV |url=https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/he-was-loved-daunte-wrights-family-shares-grief-calls-for-prosecution/89-8ed81372-ede1-46fd-9fb9-d76c7b1dfba2 |access-date=August 16, 2023 |archive-date=August 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822110356/https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/he-was-loved-daunte-wrights-family-shares-grief-calls-for-prosecution/89-8ed81372-ede1-46fd-9fb9-d76c7b1dfba2 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Referring to controversy surrounding traffic stops due to small objects dangling from rear-view mirrors,<ref name="Baker-2021" /> 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."<ref name="ACLU Minnesota statement 2021.04.11">{{cite web |title=Statement from the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota on the Police Killing of Daunte Wright |url=https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/aclu-minnesota-statement-police-killing-daunte-wright |website=ACLU |access-date=April 15, 2021 |archive-date=April 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415072339/https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/aclu-minnesota-statement-police-killing-daunte-wright |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Srikanth, The Hill 2021.04.12 - protests about pretextual traffic stops esp. re dangling objects">{{cite news |last1=Srikanth |first1=Anagha |title=Protesters decry Minnesota police killing of Black driver over air fresheners |url=https://thehill.com/changing-america/respect/equality/547680-protesters-decry-minnosta-police-killing-of-black-driver |access-date=April 15, 2021 |work=The Hill |date=April 12, 2021 |archive-date=April 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415201639/https://thehill.com/changing-america/respect/equality/547680-protesters-decry-minnosta-police-killing-of-black-driver |url-status=live }}</ref>
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."<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 12, 2021|title=Statement By President Obama|url=https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1381978744257122311|access-date=April 13, 2021|publisher=Twitter|language=en|archive-date=April 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413143337/https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1381978744257122311|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stracqualursi |first=Veronica |date=April 13, 2021 |title=Obamas: 'Our hearts are heavy' over shooting of Daunte Wright {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/13/politics/obamas-daunte-wright-shooting/index.html |access-date=August 15, 2023 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=August 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815024445/https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/13/politics/obamas-daunte-wright-shooting/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> 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."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rev. Al Sharpton on the police killing of Daunte Wright: 'You can die for having expired tags' |url=https://www.msnbc.com/the-reidout/watch/rev-al-sharpton-on-the-police-killing-of-daunte-wright-you-can-die-for-having-expired-tags-110085189655 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413010726/https://www.msnbc.com/the-reidout/watch/rev-al-sharpton-on-the-police-killing-of-daunte-wright-you-can-die-for-having-expired-tags-110085189655 |archive-date=April 13, 2021 |access-date=April 13, 2021 |website=MSNBC |language=en}}</ref>
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."<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 12, 2021|title=Statement Regarding the Death of Daunte Wright|url=https://www.archspm.org/statement-regarding-the-death-of-daunte-wright/|access-date=April 13, 2021|website=Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis|language=en|archive-date=April 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413064515/https://www.archspm.org/statement-regarding-the-death-of-daunte-wright/|url-status=live}}</ref>
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."<ref>{{cite magazine | last=Ragatz | first=Will | title=Vikings Release Statement on the Killing of Daunte Wright by Brooklyn Center Police | date=April 12, 2021 | url=https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/news/vikings-release-statement-killing-daunte-wright-brooklyn-center-police | access-date=April 13, 2021 | magazine=Sports Illustrated | department=Inside the Vikings | location=New York, New York | url-status=live | archive-date=April 13, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413180526/https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/news/vikings-release-statement-killing-daunte-wright-brooklyn-center-police | language=en }}</ref> The Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Wild all postponed games on April 12.<ref>[https://www.cbsnews.com/news/minnesota-shooting-twins-timberwolves-wild-postpone-games-daunte-wright/ Minnesota Timberwolves, Twins and Wild postpone games over shooting of Daunte Wright], CBS News, April 12, 2021</ref> 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".<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Frederick|first1=Jace |title=Timberwolves continue to seek change in wake of Daunte Wright killing|url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/basketball/6983574-Timberwolves-continue-to-seek-change-in-wake-of-Daunte-Wright-killing|access-date=April 15, 2021|website=Grand Forks Herald|date=April 14, 2021|language=en|archive-date=April 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415133829/https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/basketball/6983574-Timberwolves-continue-to-seek-change-in-wake-of-Daunte-Wright-killing|url-status=live}}</ref>
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."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Beno |first=Leah |date=May 6, 2021 |title=Brooklyn Center PD union president speaks out after Daunte Wright shooting |work=KMSP-TV |url=https://www.fox9.com/news/brooklyn-center-pd-union-president-speaks-out-after-daunte-wright-shooting |url-status=live |access-date=May 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508210943/https://www.fox9.com/news/brooklyn-center-pd-union-president-speaks-out-after-daunte-wright-shooting |archive-date=May 8, 2021}}</ref>
=== Family === 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.<ref name="reuters" />
Wright's parents appeared on ''Good Morning America'' on April 13''.''<ref name="Martínez-2021">{{Cite news |last1=Martínez |first1=Andrés R. |last2=Sandoval |first2=Edgar |date=April 13, 2021 |title=Daunte Wright Spent Final Moments Talking With His Mother |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/13/us/daunte-wright-family.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=April 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414083313/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/13/us/daunte-wright-family.html |archive-date=April 14, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Daunte Wright's parents speak out after shooting in ABC News exclusive: 'He's never coming back' |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/daunte-wrights-parents-speak-shooting-abc-news-exclusive/story?id=77038845 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413163144/https://abcnews.go.com/US/daunte-wrights-parents-speak-shooting-abc-news-exclusive/story?id=77038845 |archive-date=April 13, 2021 |access-date=April 14, 2021 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 13, 2021 |title=Daunte Wright's Mother Katie Wright Speaks At Tuesday Press Conference |url=https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/video/5486533-daunte-wrights-mother-katie-wright-speaks-at-tuesday-press-conference/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414035243/https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/video/5486533-daunte-wrights-mother-katie-wright-speaks-at-tuesday-press-conference/ |archive-date=April 14, 2021 |access-date=April 14, 2021 |website=WCCO-TV CBS Minnesota |language=en-US}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Martínez-2021" />
== Memorials and funeral == thumb|Vigil for Wright on April 11, 2021, down the road from where he was killed.|alt=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.The evening of April 11, 2021, mourners and protesters held an evening vigil for Wright near the Brooklyn Center location where he was killed.<ref name="The Independent-2021" /> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hovland |first=Ben |date=April 13, 2021 |title=Iconic fist sculpture from George Floyd Square rises in Brooklyn Center |url=https://sahanjournal.com/killed-by-police/daunte-wright-fist-icon-george-floyd-square/ |access-date=May 27, 2021 |website=Sahan Journal |language=en-US |archive-date=May 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516210536/https://sahanjournal.com/killed-by-police/daunte-wright-fist-icon-george-floyd-square/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Protesters Clash With Police In Brooklyn Center After Deadly Officer-2021-2" /> The sculpture had been displayed previously at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, but it was replaced there by a version made of metal.<ref name="Chavez-2021" /> People also placed memorials for Wright at the location he was shot and the location where he was pronounced dead.<ref name="Andrew-2021">{{Cite news |last=Andrew |first=Buncombe |date=May 7, 2021 |title=What will happen to the George Floyd memorial – and all the others of Black men killed by Minneapolis police? |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/george-floyd-memorial-what-will-happen-b1843458.html |access-date=August 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512084624/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/george-floyd-memorial-what-will-happen-b1843458.html |archive-date=May 12, 2021}}</ref>
Wright's funeral was held in Minneapolis on April 22, 2021. In attendance were relatives of Breonna Taylor, Philando Castile, and Oscar Grant{{Em dash}}black Americans who had been killed by police over the past dozen years{{Em dash}}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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bogel-Burroughs |first=Nicholas |date=April 22, 2021 |title=At Daunte Wright Funeral, Minneapolis Mourns the 'Prince of Brooklyn Center' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/22/us/daunte-wright-funeral.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=April 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423135756/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/22/us/daunte-wright-funeral.html |archive-date=April 23, 2021 |issn=}}</ref> Walz issued a Minnesota proclamation that declared a moment of silence to coincide with the 12 p.m. start of the funeral.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Madani |first=Doha |date=April 22, 2021 |title=Mourners gather in Minneapolis for funeral of Daunte Wright |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/mourners-gather-minneapolis-funeral-daunte-wright-n1264948 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502232122/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/mourners-gather-minneapolis-funeral-daunte-wright-n1264948 |archive-date=May 2, 2021 |access-date=May 2, 2021 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Haugen |first=Emily |date=November 8, 2023 |title=Brooklyn Center Daunte Wright Memorial Construction Complete |work=CCX Media |url=https://ccxmedia.org/news/brooklyn-center-daunte-wright-memorial-construction-complete/ |access-date=November 10, 2023}}</ref>
== Criminal trial == [[File:Daunte Wright protest, Kim Potter trial (51767812049).jpg|thumb|Demonstrators outside Hennepin County Government Center, December 11, 2021.]]
=== Pre-trial proceedings === Prosecutors filed the criminal case in Hennepin County District Court on April 14, 2021, as the ''State of Minnesota vs. Kimberly Potter.''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Minnesota Judicial Branch – 27-CR-21-7460: State vs. Kimberly Potter |url=https://www.mncourts.gov/media/StateofMinnesotavKimberlyPotter.aspx |access-date=December 19, 2021 |website=Minnesota Judicial Branch |archive-date=December 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219190757/https://www.mncourts.gov/media/StateofMinnesotavKimberlyPotter.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |author=<!-- no authorship noted in source --> |date=November 3, 2021 |title=Judge: Behavior errors on table at ex-cop's homicide trial |url=https://apnews.com/article/shootings-minnesota-minneapolis-death-of-daunte-wright-homicide-db74c886081be65dd8d334843e0ff430 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104002234/https://apnews.com/article/shootings-minnesota-minneapolis-death-of-daunte-wright-homicide-db74c886081be65dd8d334843e0ff430 |archive-date=November 4, 2021 |access-date=November 4, 2021 |website=Associated Press}}</ref> Trial proceedings began on November 30 in Minneapolis, at a Hennepin County Government Center courtroom Chu presiding.<ref name="trialbegins">{{cite news |last1=Walsh |first1=Paul |last2=Xiong |first2=Chao |last3=Olson |first3=Rochelle |date=November 30, 2021 |title=Jury selection is underway in Kim Potter manslaughter trial |work=Star Tribune |url-access=limited |url=https://www.startribune.com/jury-selection-is-underway-in-kim-potter-manslaughter-trial/600122227/ |access-date=November 30, 2021 |archive-date=November 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130153106/https://www.startribune.com/jury-selection-is-underway-in-kim-potter-manslaughter-trial/600122227/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
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.<ref name="Bogel-Burroughs-2021-3">{{Cite news |last=Bogel-Burroughs |first=Nicholas |date=November 30, 2021 |title=What to Know About Kimberly Potter's Trial for the Death of Daunte Wright |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/30/us/daunte-wright-shooting-kimberly-potter.html |url-access=limited |access-date=November 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/30/us/daunte-wright-shooting-kimberly-potter.html |archive-date=December 28, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Erin Eldridge, an assistant attorney general who also participated in the Chauvin trial, joined Frank.<ref name="Bogel-Burroughs-2021-2">{{Cite news |last=Bogel-Burroughs |first=Nicholas |date=December 20, 2021 |title=Who are the lawyers in the Kim Potter trial? And who are the other key players? |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/20/us/erin-eldridge-earl-gray-kim-potter-trial.html |access-date=December 21, 2021 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221011610/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/20/us/erin-eldridge-earl-gray-kim-potter-trial.html |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref name="Bogel-Burroughs-2021-2" />
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 be permitted in the courtroom.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Witta |first=Tommy |date=August 5, 2021 |title=Former officer who fatally shot Daunte Wright to have trial start on Nov. 30 |work=KSTP-TV |url=https://kstp.com/news/trial-for-former-brooklyn-center-police-officer-kim-potter-who-fatally-shot-daunte-wright-moved-up-one-week-to-start-on-november-30-2021/6197886/ |access-date=August 5, 2021 |archive-date=August 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805213548/https://kstp.com/news/trial-for-former-brooklyn-center-police-officer-kim-potter-who-fatally-shot-daunte-wright-moved-up-one-week-to-start-on-november-30-2021/6197886/ |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Xiong |first=Chao |date=November 9, 2021 |title=Former Brooklyn Center officer Kimberly Potter's trial will be livestreamed |work=Star Tribune |url-access=limited |url=https://www.startribune.com/former-brooklyn-center-officer-kimberly-potter-s-trial-will-be-livestreamed/600114624/ |access-date=November 9, 2021 |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110012548/https://www.startribune.com/former-brooklyn-center-officer-kimberly-potter-s-trial-will-be-livestreamed/600114624/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Trial proceedings === alt=Potter's Taser, at left, is yellow with a black grip and her handgun, at right, is smaller and all black.|thumb|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.<ref name="Bogel-Burroughs-2021-3" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Simon |first1=Alexandra |last2=Sandberg |first2=Diane |date=December 2, 2021 |title=Jury breakdown: Who will hear the trial of Kim Potter |work=KARE-TV |url=https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/daunte-wright/kim-potter-daunte-wright-brooklyn-center-jury-selection-day-4/89-5dafe6b4-ad15-4cac-a0a8-bf191cd754df |access-date=December 3, 2021 |archive-date=March 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302140948/https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/daunte-wright/kim-potter-daunte-wright-brooklyn-center-jury-selection-day-4/89-5dafe6b4-ad15-4cac-a0a8-bf191cd754df |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mostly white jury seated for Kim Potter trial in Daunte Wright's death |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/mostly-white-jury-nearly-set-kim-potter-trial-daunte-wrights-death-rcna7511 |website=NBC News |date=December 3, 2021 |access-date=December 18, 2021 |archive-date=December 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218004110/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/mostly-white-jury-nearly-set-kim-potter-trial-daunte-wrights-death-rcna7511 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=December 3, 2021 |title=Kim Potter's trial in Daunte Wright's death will have a mostly white jury |work=National Public Radio |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/12/03/1061305088/kim-potter-daunte-wright-trial-jury-selection |access-date=December 3, 2021 |archive-date=December 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203215021/https://www.npr.org/2021/12/03/1061305088/kim-potter-daunte-wright-trial-jury-selection |url-status=live }}</ref>
Opening statements in the trial began on December 8.<ref name="trialbegins" /> 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.<ref name="Walsh-2021-2" />
Attorneys gave closing arguments on December 20 and the jury, which was ordered to be sequestered, began deliberations by midday.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Hernandez |first1=Joe |last2=Wamsley |first2=Laurel |date=December 20, 2021 |title=The jury begins deliberations in Kim Potter's trial over the killing of Daunte Wright |work=National Public Radio |url=https://www.npr.org/closing-arguments-kim-potter-daunte-wright |access-date=December 20, 2021 |archive-date=December 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220162010/https://www.npr.org/closing-arguments-kim-potter-daunte-wright |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=December 20, 2021 |title=No verdict in Kim Potter trial after first day of deliberation |work=KSTP-TV |url=https://kstp.com/news/prosecutor-minnesota-cop-negligent-in-daunte-wrights-death/6337654/ |access-date=December 20, 2021 |archive-date=December 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220160826/https://kstp.com/news/prosecutor-minnesota-cop-negligent-in-daunte-wrights-death/6337654/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Verdict and sentence=== <!-- Deleted image removed: thumb|Kimberly Potter jail booking photo, December 23, 2021.|alt=Kimberly Potter's booking photo, with Potter smiling, looking at the camera --> After deliberating for 27 hours over four days, the jury found Potter guilty of first-degree manslaughter and second-degree manslaughter on December 23.<ref name="Winter-2021-3">{{Cite news |last=Winter |first=Deena |date=December 23, 2021 |title=Jury finds Brooklyn Center Officer Potter guilty of manslaughter |work=Minnesota Reformer |url=https://minnesotareformer.com/2021/12/23/jury-finds-brooklyn-center-officer-potter-guilty-of-manslaughter/ |access-date=December 23, 2021 |archive-date=December 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223194627/https://minnesotareformer.com/2021/12/23/jury-finds-brooklyn-center-officer-potter-guilty-of-manslaughter/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 23, 2021 |title=Live updates: Kim Potter found guilty in Daunte Wright shooting |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/kim-potter-trial-outcome-daunte-wright-shooting/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223194250/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/kim-potter-trial-outcome-daunte-wright-shooting/index.html |archive-date=December 23, 2021 |access-date=December 23, 2021 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> Following the verdict, Potter was taken into custody and transferred to the state's Women's Correctional Facility in Shakopee.<ref name="Winter-2021-3" /><ref name="ST20211223">{{Cite news |last=Walsh |first=Paul |date=December 23, 2021 |title=Guilty: Jury convicts Potter of both counts of manslaughter in shooting of Daunte Wright |work=Star Tribune |url-access=limited |url=https://www.startribune.com/jury-begins-4th-day-of-deliberations-in-kimberly-potter-manslaughter-trial/600129838/ |access-date=December 23, 2021 |archive-date=December 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223145318/https://www.startribune.com/jury-begins-4th-day-of-deliberations-in-kimberly-potter-manslaughter-trial/600129838/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
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.<ref name="WTTW News">{{Cite web |title=Kim Potter Sentenced to 2 Years in Daunte Wright's Death |url=https://news.wttw.com/2022/02/18/kim-potter-sentenced-2-years-daunte-wright-s-death |access-date=February 19, 2022 |website=WTTW |language=en |archive-date=February 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219001924/https://news.wttw.com/2022/02/18/kim-potter-sentenced-2-years-daunte-wright-s-death |url-status=live }}</ref> She continued, "I'll never be able to forgive you for what you've stolen from us."<ref name="WTTW News" /> 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."<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Sullivan |first1=Becky |last2=Wamsley |first2=Laurel |date=February 18, 2022 |title=Kim Potter, the ex-cop convicted in Daunte Wright's death, is sentenced to 2 years |language=en |work=National Public Radio |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/02/18/1081597518/kim-potter-daunte-wright-sentencing |access-date=February 19, 2022 |archive-date=February 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219023340/https://www.npr.org/2022/02/18/1081597518/kim-potter-daunte-wright-sentencing |url-status=live }}</ref>
Potter was sentenced to two years in prison, serving sixteen months with eight months of supervised release.<ref name="13WHAM">{{cite news |last1=Forliti |first1=Amy |date=February 18, 2022 |title=Judge sentences former officer Kim Potter to 2 years in prison for killing Daunte Wright |url=https://13wham.com/news/nation-world/ex-cop-who-killed-daunte-wright-to-learn-sentence-kim-potter-minneapolis-black-motorist-brooklyn-center-derek-chauvin-george-floyd-minnesota |access-date=February 18, 2022 |archive-date=February 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218171004/https://13wham.com/news/nation-world/ex-cop-who-killed-daunte-wright-to-learn-sentence-kim-potter-minneapolis-black-motorist-brooklyn-center-derek-chauvin-george-floyd-minnesota |url-status=live }}</ref> The typical sentence for first-degree manslaughter in Minnesota is more than seven years in prison, with a maximum set at fifteen years.<ref name="Bogel-Burroughs-2022" /> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 23, 2021 |title=Daunte Wright's mother began to sob as the first guilty verdict was read |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/kim-potter-trial-outcome-daunte-wright-shooting/h_8f44e2c363a4924a3c60b600ceec2294 |access-date=February 20, 2022 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=February 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220145015/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/kim-potter-trial-outcome-daunte-wright-shooting/h_8f44e2c363a4924a3c60b600ceec2294 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref name="sentencing">{{Cite web |date=February 18, 2022 |title=Kim Potter Sentenced To 16 Months In Prison, 8 Months Supervised Release For Killing Daunte Wright |url=https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2022/02/18/kim-potter-sentenced-daunte-wright/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218232337/https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2022/02/18/kim-potter-sentenced-daunte-wright/ |archive-date=February 18, 2022 |access-date=February 19, 2022 |website=WCCO-TV |language=en-US}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Bogel-Burroughs-2022" /><ref name="sentencing" /> Chu expressed that it was "one of the saddest cases I’ve had on my 20 years on the bench".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kim Potter sentenced to 2 years in Daunte Wright's death |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/cop-killed-daunte-wright-learn-sentence-82973440 |access-date=February 19, 2022 |website=ABC News |language=en |archive-date=February 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219003107/https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/cop-killed-daunte-wright-learn-sentence-82973440 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In late 2022, the Minnesota Board of Pardons declined to consider Potter's application to have her sentence commuted.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Van Oot |first=Torey |date=December 19, 2022 |title=Minnesota Pardon Board agenda won't include early release for ex-cop Kimberly Potter |work=Axios |url=https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/12/19/kim-potter-sentence-commutation-request-daunte-wright |access-date=April 11, 2023 |archive-date=April 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411182810/https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/12/19/kim-potter-sentence-commutation-request-daunte-wright |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/04/24/former-officer-kimberly-potter-to-be-released-from-prison-killing-daunte-wright|title=Former officer Kimberly Potter released from prison after serving 16 months for killing Daunte Wright|first=Nina|last=Moini|publisher=MPR News|date=April 24, 2023|accessdate=December 28, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Broaddus |first=Adrienne |date=April 24, 2023 |title=Former Minnesota police officer Kim Potter released from prison after serving time for deadly shooting of Daunte Wright |work=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/24/us/kim-potter-release-prison-daunte-wright/index.html |access-date=April 24, 2023 |archive-date=April 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424130741/https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/24/us/kim-potter-release-prison-daunte-wright/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Walsh |first=Paul |date=April 24, 2023 |title=Kim Potter released from prison before dawn as safety measure, 2 years after killing Daunte Wright |work=Star Tribune |url=https://www.startribune.com/ex-officer-kim-potter-released-from-prison-2-years-after-fatally-shooting-daunte-wright/600269552/ |access-date=April 24, 2023 |archive-date=April 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424120713/https://www.startribune.com/ex-officer-kim-potter-released-from-prison-2-years-after-fatally-shooting-daunte-wright/600269552/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Civil lawsuits== thumb|Makeshift memorial to Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, December 9, 2021.|alt=A memorial for Daunte Wright featuring artwork, signs, and messages about Wright and in support of the Black Lives Matter movement Wright's family hired civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, who represented the family of George Floyd in a settlement with the City of Minneapolis.<ref>{{cite news|last=Judd|first=Jake|date=April 12, 2021|title=Family of Man Shot Hires Famous Civil Rights Attorney|work=KNSI|url=https://knsiradio.com/2021/04/12/family-of-man-shot-hires-famous-civil-rights-attorney/|url-status=live|access-date=April 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412210151/https://knsiradio.com/2021/04/12/family-of-man-shot-hires-famous-civil-rights-attorney/|archive-date=April 12, 2021}}</ref> They also obtained representation from attorneys Anthony Romanucci and Jeff Storms.<ref name="Timsit-2022" /> In mid 2022, the City of Brooklyn Center settled a lawsuit brought by Wright's family and agreed to pay {{US$|3.25|long=no}}{{Nbsp}}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 officer training, and to establish a permanent memorial to Wright at the site of a temporary one that emerged in the days after his death.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Harlow |first=Tim |date=June 21, 2022 |title=Brooklyn Center reaches settlement with Daunte Wright's family for $3.25 million |work=Star Tribune |url-access=limited |url=https://www.startribune.com/brooklyn-center-reaches-settlement-with-daunte-wrights-family-for-3-25-million/600184093/ |access-date=June 21, 2022 |archive-date=June 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622025652/https://www.startribune.com/brooklyn-center-reaches-settlement-with-daunte-wrights-family-for-3-25-million/600184093/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Timsit-2022">{{Cite news |last=Timsit |first=Annabelle |date=June 22, 2022 |title=Minn. city to pay $3.25M in police killing of Daunte Wright, lawyers say |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/06/22/daunte-wright-settlement-wrongful-death-lawsuit-325-million/ |access-date=June 22, 2022 |archive-date=July 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705200600/https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/06/22/daunte-wright-settlement-wrongful-death-lawsuit-325-million/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Alayna Albrecht-Payton, the passenger in Wright's vehicle during the incident, filed a civil lawsuit against the city of Brooklyn Center. Albrecht-Payton had suffered a broken jaw when Wright's vehicle crashed. Her lawsuit said she experienced permanent physical injuries and psychological distress from the incident.<ref name="Rahman, Newsweek 2021.04.12 - Daunte Wright was with girlfriend" /> The city settled the lawsuit with Albrecht-Payton in early 2023 for {{US$|350000|long=no}}.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Harlow |first=Tim |date=January 13, 2023 |title=Daunte Wright's girlfriend settles suit against Brooklyn Center for $350,000 |work=Star Tribune |url=https://www.startribune.com/daunte-wrights-girlfriend-wins-350k-settlement/600243281/ |access-date=January 14, 2023 |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113213752/https://www.startribune.com/daunte-wrights-girlfriend-wins-350k-settlement/600243281/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
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.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 16, 2023 |title=Judge orders Daunte Wright's son get majority of money awarded in wrongful death lawsuit |work=KSTP-TV |url=https://kstp.com/kstp-news/local-news/judge-orders-that-daunte-wrights-son-to-get-majority-of-money-awarded-in-wrongful-death-lawsuit/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317012114/https://kstp.com/kstp-news/local-news/judge-orders-that-daunte-wrights-son-to-get-majority-of-money-awarded-in-wrongful-death-lawsuit/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Godfrey |first=Courtney |date=March 15, 2023 |title=Daunte Wright death: Son to get majority of $3.5M settlement |work=KMSP-TV |url=https://www.fox9.com/news/daunte-wright-killing-court-finalizes-settlement-distribution-cutting-attorney-fees |url-status=live |access-date=March 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316131206/https://www.fox9.com/news/daunte-wright-killing-court-finalizes-settlement-distribution-cutting-attorney-fees |archive-date=March 16, 2023}}</ref> As part of the prior civil settlement with Wright's family, the City of Brooklyn Center in mid 2023 commissioned a permanent, public memorial at 63rd Avenue North and Kathrene Drive at a cost of {{US$|243000|long=no}} to replace the makeshift one that emerged soon after his death.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Nelson |first=Tim |date=July 18, 2023 |title=Brooklyn Center unveils design for memorial to Daunte Wright |work=Minnesota Public Radio |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/07/18/brooklyn-center-unveils-design-for-memorial-to-daunte-wright |url-status=live |access-date=August 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230806230841/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/07/18/brooklyn-center-unveils-design-for-memorial-to-daunte-wright |archive-date=August 6, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Blume |first=Paul |date=July 24, 2023 |title=Brooklyn Center preps for Daunte Wright memorial construction |work=KMSP-TV |url=https://www.fox9.com/news/daunte-wright-memorial-planned-in-brooklyn-center |url-status=live |access-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725032216/https://www.fox9.com/news/daunte-wright-memorial-planned-in-brooklyn-center |archive-date=July 25, 2023}}</ref>
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 resign, but his lawsuit claimed he was denied due process.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Harlow |first=Tim |date=February 23, 2024 |title=Brooklyn Center settles suit with former chief who quit after Daunte Wright shooting |url=https://www.startribune.com/brooklyn-center-settles-suit-with-former-chief-who-quit-after-daunte-wright-shooting/600345650/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224001717/https://www.startribune.com/brooklyn-center-settles-suit-with-former-chief-who-quit-after-daunte-wright-shooting/600345650/ |archive-date=February 24, 2024 |access-date=February 24, 2024 |work=Star Tribune}}</ref>
== Impact on policing == === In Brooklyn Center === thumb|Protest sign at a demonstration in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, April 14, 2021.|alt=A protest sign with the words "defund / disband / no more cops"A month after 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.<ref name="Brown-2021" /> The ordinance established a committee to help lead reform efforts.<ref name="Harlow-2023">{{Cite news |last=Harlow |first=Tim |date=August 14, 2023 |title=Report: Brooklyn Center Police Department needs more patrol officers |work=Star Tribune |url=https://www.startribune.com/report-brooklyn-center-police-department-needs-more-patrol-officers/600297036/ |access-date=August 14, 2023 |archive-date=August 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230814184520/https://www.startribune.com/report-brooklyn-center-police-department-needs-more-patrol-officers/600297036/ |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref name="Brown-2021">{{Cite web|last=Brown|first=Kyle|date=May 15, 2021|title=Brooklyn Center City Council approves police reform resolution|url=https://kstp.com/news/brooklyn-center-city-council-approves-police-reform-resolution/6108968/|url-status=live|access-date=May 19, 2021|website=KSTP-TV|language=en|archive-date=May 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519175525/https://kstp.com/news/brooklyn-center-city-council-approves-police-reform-resolution/6108968/}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Harlow|first=Tim|date=September 28, 2021|title=In first step in police reform, Brooklyn Center enacts new citation policy|work=Star Tribune|url-access=limited|url=https://www.startribune.com/in-first-step-in-police-reform-brooklyn-center-enacts-new-citation-policy/600101733/|access-date=September 28, 2021|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928215102/https://www.startribune.com/in-first-step-in-police-reform-brooklyn-center-enacts-new-citation-policy/600101733/|url-status=live}}</ref> The city's council also passed a {{US$|1.3|long=no}}{{Nbsp}}million plan for alternative public safety programs, such as the use of unarmed workers to enforce nonmoving traffic violations and mental health response teams{{Emdash}}{{US$|303114|long=no}} of the project's budget came from eliminating three police officer positions.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Chhith|first=Alex|date=December 6, 2021|title=Brooklyn Center passes $1.3 million plan for alternative public safety programs after another heated debate|work=Star Tribune|url-access=limited|url=https://www.startribune.com/conflict-arises-as-brooklyn-center-debates-1-3-million-plan-for-alternative-public-safety-programs/600124516/|access-date=December 6, 2021|archive-date=December 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207032121/https://www.startribune.com/conflict-arises-as-brooklyn-center-debates-1-3-million-plan-for-alternative-public-safety-programs/600124516/|url-status=live}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Ken |date=November 8, 2022 |title=Graves wins Brooklyn Center Mayor's race |work=Sun Post |url=https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_post/free/graves-wins-brooklyn-center-mayors-race/article_77866934-5fde-11ed-a4d5-ab40d0a68d03.html |url-status=live |access-date=November 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109150703/https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_post/free/graves-wins-brooklyn-center-mayors-race/article_77866934-5fde-11ed-a4d5-ab40d0a68d03.html |archive-date=November 9, 2022}}</ref> Several years after Wright's death, several proposed reforms to police policy in Brooklyn Center had yet to be implemented.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cleveland |first=Cleveland |date=April 11, 2023 |title=Two Years After Daunte Wright's Death, Brooklyn Center Committee Continues Police Reform Work |work=CCX Media |url=https://ccxmedia.org/news/two-years-after-daunte-wrights-death-brooklyn-center-committee-continues-police-reform-work/ |access-date=August 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413064628/https://ccxmedia.org/news/two-years-after-daunte-wrights-death-brooklyn-center-committee-continues-police-reform-work/ |archive-date=April 13, 2023}}</ref><ref name="Harlow-2023" /> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Harlow |first=Tim |date=January 23, 2024 |title=Brooklyn Center City Council rejects police reform policy governing traffic stops, searches |url=https://www.startribune.com/brooklyn-center-city-council-rejects-police-reform-policy-governing-traffic-stops-searches/600337838/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125234738/https://www.startribune.com/brooklyn-center-city-council-rejects-police-reform-policy-governing-traffic-stops-searches/600337838/ |archive-date=January 25, 2024 |access-date=January 27, 2024 |work=Star Tribune}}</ref>
=== Elsewhere in the United States === [[File:Daunte Wright Protest at GAP (51113482088).jpg|alt=Demonstrators march in the street. One person holds as sign with the words, "There is no reforming a system designed to kill".|thumb|Protest sign at a demonstration in Berkeley, California, April 12, 2021.]]{{See also|List of police reforms related to the George Floyd protests}} 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.<ref name="Boone-20213"/> Other notable incidents included a 2002 shooting in Rochester, Minnesota,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eckert |first=Nora |date=April 13, 2021 |title=Daunte Wright shooting echoes Rochester Taser error in 2002 |url=https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/crime-and-courts/6983103-Daunte-Wright-shooting-echoes-Rochester-Taser-error-in-2002 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416200112/https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/crime-and-courts/6983103-Daunte-Wright-shooting-echoes-Rochester-Taser-error-in-2002 |archive-date=April 16, 2021 |access-date=April 16, 2021 |website=Duluth News Tribune |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Bogel-Burroughs-20213">{{Cite news |last1=Bogel-Burroughs |first1=Nicholas |last2=Bosman |first2=Julie |last3=Hubler |first3=Shawn |date=April 12, 2021 |title=Minnesota Officer Who Shot Daunte Wright Meant to Fire Taser, Chief Says |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/12/us/brooklyn-center-police-shooting-minnesota.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=April 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415014551/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/12/us/brooklyn-center-police-shooting-minnesota.html |archive-date=April 15, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> 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.<ref name="PA3">{{cite news |last1=Ciavaglia |first1=Joe |date=April 12, 2019 |title=Bucks DA: New Hope police-involved shooting not justified, but excused |work=Bucks County Courier Times |url=https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190412/bucks-da-new-hope-police-involved-shooting-not-justified-but-excused |access-date=April 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422112539/https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190412/bucks-da-new-hope-police-involved-shooting-not-justified-but-excused |archive-date=April 22, 2021}}</ref><ref name="KS3">{{cite news |last=Shepherd |first=Sarea |date=March 27, 2019 |title=Judge dismisses case against Lawrence police officer who shot man, says evidence does not show she acted recklessly |newspaper=Lawrence Journal World |url=https://www2.ljworld.com/news/public-safety/2019/mar/27/judge-dismisses-case-against-lawrence-police-officer-who-shot-man-says-evidence-does-not-show-she-acted-recklessly/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422111037/https://www2.ljworld.com/news/public-safety/2019/mar/27/judge-dismisses-case-against-lawrence-police-officer-who-shot-man-says-evidence-does-not-show-she-acted-recklessly/ |archive-date=April 22, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Emily S. Rueb |date=April 15, 2019 |title=Officer Who Used Gun Instead of Taser Won't Face Charges for Shooting Unarmed Man |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/15/us/pa-police-taser-gun.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421163147/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/15/us/pa-police-taser-gun.html |archive-date=April 21, 2021 |work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Alfonseca |first=Kiara |date=April 15, 2021 |title=Daunte Wright shooting: Other officers have mistaken their guns for stun guns |language=en |work=ABC News |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/daunte-wright-shooting-officers-mistaken-guns-stun-guns/story?id=77049415 |access-date=December 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211040230/https://abcnews.go.com/US/daunte-wright-shooting-officers-mistaken-guns-stun-guns/story?id=77049415 |archive-date=February 11, 2022}}</ref> In the days after Wright's death, the police departments of Roeland Park, Kansas,<ref name="Dulle-2021">{{Cite news |last=Dulle |first=Brian |date=April 14, 2021 |title=Roeland Park Police updates Taser policy following killing of Daunte Wright in Minnesota |url=https://fox4kc.com/news/roeland-park-police-updates-taser-policy-following-killing-of-daunte-wright-in-minnesota/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524062855/https://fox4kc.com/news/roeland-park-police-updates-taser-policy-following-killing-of-daunte-wright-in-minnesota/ |archive-date=May 24, 2021 |access-date=April 18, 2021 |website=WDAF-TV}}</ref> and St. Ann, Missouri,<ref name="Henson-2021">{{Cite news|last=Henson|first=Rhyan|date=April 16, 2021|title=St. Ann Police change Taser colors, policy after Daunte Wright's shooting death|url=https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/st-ann-police-change-taser-colors-policy-after-daunte-wrights-shooting-death/63-a42bccd4-84a2-4cef-956e-1403e9bd6ec5|access-date=April 18, 2021|website=KSDK|archive-date=May 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524062843/https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/st-ann-police-change-taser-colors-policy-after-daunte-wrights-shooting-death/63-a42bccd4-84a2-4cef-956e-1403e9bd6ec5|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Dulle-2021" /><ref name="Henson-2021" /> 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.<ref name="Bogel-Burroughs-20213"/>
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.<ref name="Eder-2021">{{Cite news |last1=Eder |first1=Steve |last2=Keller |first2=Michael H. |last3=Migliozzi |first3=Blacki |date=October 10, 2021 |title=As New Police Reform Laws Sweep Across the U.S., Some Ask: Are They Enough? |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/18/us/police-reform-bills.html |access-date=August 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010083439/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/18/us/police-reform-bills.html |archive-date=October 10, 2021}}</ref> Minneapolis police announced they would not make traffic stops for minor infractions, such as expired vehicle tags or having objects hanging on mirrors.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jany |first=Libor |date=August 12, 2021 |title=Minneapolis police to scale back low-level traffic stops |work=Star Tribune |url=https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-police-to-scale-back-low-level-traffic-stops/600087423/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=August 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813014009/https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-police-to-scale-back-low-level-traffic-stops/600087423/ |archive-date=August 13, 2021}}</ref> The Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training approved in 2022 new rules to revoke officer licenses for conduct violations.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Furst |first=Randy |date=May 22, 2022 |title=Once Viewed as a 'Paper Tiger,' POST Board Pursues New Reforms to Discipline Misbehaving Police |work=Frontline |url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/minnesota-police-board-post-rules-allow-revoke-police-officer-license/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815161434/https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/minnesota-police-board-post-rules-allow-revoke-police-officer-license/ |archive-date=August 15, 2023}}</ref> In Illinois, state laws allowing officers to pull vehicles over for minor infractions faced scrutiny,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Connolly |first=Dan |date=May 1, 2023 |title=Illinois bill: Police not allowed to stop drivers for rearview mirror air fresheners, other hanging items |work=WGN-TV |url=https://wgntv.com/news/illinois/illinois-lawmakers-want-to-decriminalize-rearview-mirror-air-fresheners/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815152658/https://wgntv.com/news/illinois/illinois-lawmakers-want-to-decriminalize-rearview-mirror-air-fresheners/ |archive-date=August 15, 2023}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 9, 2023 |title=Belt measure to reduce unnecessary traffic stops signed by governor |url=https://www.illinoissenatedemocrats.com/caucus-news/20-sen-christopher-belt-news/5001-belt-measure-to-reduce-unnecessary-traffic-stops-signed-by-governor |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815152703/https://www.illinoissenatedemocrats.com/caucus-news/20-sen-christopher-belt-news/5001-belt-measure-to-reduce-unnecessary-traffic-stops-signed-by-governor |archive-date=August 15, 2023 |access-date=August 15, 2023 |website=Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Singson |first=Ben |date=May 26, 2023 |title=Bill changing Illinois rearview mirror law heads to governor's desk |work=Jacksonville Journal-Courier |url=https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/article/illinois-rearview-mirror-law-nullified-18112363.php |url-status=live |access-date=August 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528174715/https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/article/illinois-rearview-mirror-law-nullified-18112363.php |archive-date=May 28, 2023}}</ref>
Some activists advocated for more even ambitious reform measures, such as abolishing or defunding the police.<ref name="Eder-2021" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Glanton |first=Dahleen |date=April 13, 2021 |title=After the killing of Daunte Wright, it's time to talk about defunding the police again |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/dahleen-glanton/ct-prem-glanton-daunte-wright-killing-defund-police-20210413-5o6troyy7zddbfm7vb7t5mfwri-story.html |access-date=August 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827084752/https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/dahleen-glanton/ct-prem-glanton-daunte-wright-killing-defund-police-20210413-5o6troyy7zddbfm7vb7t5mfwri-story.html |archive-date=August 27, 2022}}</ref> By the end of 2022, momentum behind police reform measures waned in many U.S. states.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 31, 2022 |title=Some states are struggling to implement policing reforms passed after George Floyd's murder |work=PBS News Hour |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/some-states-are-struggling-to-implement-policing-reforms-passed-after-george-floyds-murder |access-date=August 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101073330/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/some-states-are-struggling-to-implement-policing-reforms-passed-after-george-floyds-murder |archive-date=January 1, 2023}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Levin |first=Sam |date=January 6, 2023 |title='It never stops': killings by US police reach record high in 2022 |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jan/06/us-police-killings-record-number-2022 |access-date=August 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106110348/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jan/06/us-police-killings-record-number-2022 |archive-date=January 6, 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jr |first=Perry Bacon |date=January 15, 2023 |title=Opinion {{!}} The racial reckoning led to lots of talk but little real change |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/01/15/black-lives-matter-george-floyd-protests-policy-change/ |access-date=August 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116062516/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/01/15/black-lives-matter-george-floyd-protests-policy-change/ |archive-date=January 16, 2023 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref>
== See also == *2020–2023 United States racial unrest *List of killings by law enforcement officers in Minnesota * List of unarmed African Americans killed by law enforcement officers in the United States * Taser safety issues
== Notes == {{notelist}}
== References == {{reflist}}
== Further reading == {{commons category}} * 2022 Minnesota Statutes, [https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2022/cite/609.20 § 609.20 Manslaughter in the First Degree], Retrieved January 23, 2022. *2022 Minnesota Statutes, [https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2022/cite/609.205 § 609.205 Manslaughter in the Second Degree], Retrieved January 23, 2022. * McKinney, Matt and Kim Hyatt (August 22, 2021). "[https://www.startribune.com/daunte-wright-parents-forced-to-grieve-in-the-spotlight-police-killing-minnesota/600089734/ Forced to grieve in the spotlight: Daunte Wright's parents feel public support but also vilification of their son after his shooting death by a police officer in Brooklyn Center]". ''Star Tribune''. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230411183623/https://www.startribune.com/daunte-wright-parents-forced-to-grieve-in-the-spotlight-police-killing-minnesota/600089734/ Archived] from the original on April 11, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2021.
{{Black Lives Matter|state=collapsed}} {{Killings by law enforcement in the United States in the 2020s|state=collapsed}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wright, Daunte}} Category:2020s in Minneapolis Category:2021 controversies in the United States Category:2021 United States racial unrest Category:African Americans shot dead by law enforcement officers in Minnesota Category:People shot dead by law enforcement officers in Minnesota Category:April 2021 in the United States Category:Black Lives Matter Category:Deaths by person in Minnesota Category:Deaths by police during traffic stops Category:Filmed killings by law enforcement