The former Brooklyn Center, Minn., police officer charged in the killing of Daunte Wright made her first appearance in court Thursday as members of the Wright family continued their call for . The parents of Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man killed by police during a chaotic traffic stop in Minnesota earlier this year, spoke out after a former officer was convicted of manslaughter . I heard the phone getting put down pretty hard," Katie Wright said on "GMA" during Tuesday's exclusive interview. Wright's family said he told them he had been pulled over for having an air freshener dangling from his mirror, allegedly blocking his view. He was just your average 20-year-old," Bryant said Tuesday after his family held a news conference in downtown Minneapolis to draw attention to the fatal shooting. RELATED: Daunte Wright's family, Brooklyn Center reach $3.25 million settlement. ", "Peaceful protests, understandable, and the fact is that, you know, we do know that the anger pain and trauma that exists in the Back community, and that environment is real, it's serious, and it's consequential," Biden told reporters. The family of Daunte Wright celebrate a guilty verdict for Kim Potter outside of the Hennepin County Government Center on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, in Minneapolis. Daunte Wright's parents have spoken out about their son's death, saying that they "can't accept" that his killing was "a mistake". Tuesday's news conference was organized by groups supporting families of victims of police violenceand attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the Wright family and alsoisthe attorney for the Floyd family. [73] On May 24, Imran Ali, the assistant criminal division chief at the Washington County Attorney's Office, resigned from his job after several activist groups demonstrated outside Orput's home demanding that the charges be raised to murder. I can't accept that. My thoughts are also with Ms. Potter today. [145] They also obtained representation from attorneys Tony Romanucci and Jeff Storms. "He was so much more, and he did not deserve this. There is no true justice for the Wrights because Daunte is never coming home, co-counsel Jeff Storms said in the statement. Three of four seconds went by. "[98], Brooklyn Center Police Chief Tim Gannon said at an April 12 press conference, "I have watched the video myself, and there is nothing I can say to lessen the pain of Mr. Wright's family, friends loved ones of that feeling of loss they must have. [29] Potter then discharged her firearm, instead of her Taser, a single time using her right hand, and subsequently said, "Oh shit, I just shot him. Senator Amy Klobuchar, and U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar attended the service. [153] In both cases, the officers shouted "Taser" before firing. Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man, died after he was shot by an officer during a traffic stop in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Center, his family have said. If Potter is convicted of killing Daunte, LeMay said, 'at least his parents will get . This settlement will not be finalized until agreement is also reached on substantial and meaningful non-monetary relief, the attorneys wrote in the news release. My heart is literally broken into athousand pieces.. Daunte Wright's family rejected the police assertion that his death was a mistake resulting from Officer Kim Potter's mistaking her gun for a Taser. On Sunday, the 20-year-old's laughter stopped, turning to community anger and disbelief after Wright was fatally shot by a senior Brooklyn Center officer when, police said, she mistookher gun for a taser. Daunte Wright's family has called for peaceful protests. As Katie explained, her son called her to say he had . Wrightloved to goof around, play sports and drive the car he had just been given by a family member, relatives and family friendssaid at a news conference Tuesday. Daunte Wright, 20, who was shot and killed by Brooklyn Center, Minn., police during a traffic stop Sunday. [15] Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said in a tweet at 10:00p.m. on April 11, "I am closely monitoring the situation in Brooklyn Center. Daunte Wright's mother, Katie Wright, said after the sentencing that Potter "murdered my son," adding: "Today the justice system murdered him all over again." She also accused the judge of being taken in by "white woman's tears" after Potter cried during her pre-sentencing statement. Daunte Wright holds his son, Daunte Jr, at his first birthday party. 'Stench of racism' in Daunte Wright's death. She said he told her that police had pulled him over due to air fresheners hanging in his rear view mirror. "She was crying and screaming, and she says that they shot him," Katie Wright remembered. [16][27] The trainee officer approached the driver's side door and the supervisor approached the passenger's side door. Now, they're speaking out on his behalf. [71] Potter was represented by Earl Gray, a Saint Paul-based attorney who also defended Thomas Lane and Jeronimo Yanez, who were involved with the killings of George Floyd and Philando Castile, respectively. "My position is that we cannot afford to make mistakes that lead to the loss of life of other people in our profession," Elliott told reporters Monday. "There was a lot of chanting youth out there," Toshira Garraway of Families Supporting Families Against Police Violence said, referring to the protests on Sunday and Monday. "I can't accept that a mistake, that doesn't even sound right," Aubrey said of the police's explanation regarding his son's death. Following Wrights killing, dayslong protests erupted in Brooklyn Center, which is just 10 miles from Minneapolis reigniting the scrutiny over the use of force by police against Black Americans. Wright's family settled a wrongful death lawsuit with the City of Brooklyn Center on June 21, 2022, for $3.25 million. She shuddered with grief, held by members of her family. The details surrounding the case are still . [1][21] The supervisor had the passenger's side door open, and reached inside to grab the gear shift to prevent Wright from driving away. We're not going to be able to do that anymoreI love you, Daunte," Greer said. ", "She was a training officer and so it's not about training, it's about implicit bias," Crump said on "GMA" during Tuesday's exclusive interview. ", "I lost my son, he's never coming back," Daunte Wright's father, Aubrey Wright, told ABC News' Robin Roberts in an exclusive interview Tuesday on "Good Morning America. Taser! "[105] Referring to controversy surrounding traffic stops due to small objects dangling from rear-view mirrors,[26] the American Civil Liberties Union said it had "deep concerns that police here appear to have used dangling air fresheners as an excuse for making a pretextual stop, something police do all too often to target Black people. Daunte Wright's parents, Aubrey and Katie, listened at a rally to Amity Dimock, whose son Kobe Dimock-Heisler, was killed in 2019 by Brooklyn Center police. "I want to say thank you so much for the support and standing by us," Katie Wright said, "and making sure that my son's name doesn't get swept under the rug. People mourned at a vigil for 20-year-old Daunte Wright, who was shot and killed by a police officer in a Minneapolis suburb. Former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin is standing . 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. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. [94][26] Protesters demanded justice for Wright's death and made several demands of public officials, including a murder charge for Potter, an independent investigation of the shooting, and enactment of police reform measures. [92][93] 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. [24] The trainee officer on the driver's side attempted to prevent Wright from obtaining control of the steering wheel. "He just had his whole life taken away from him. I can't accept that.". Daunte Wright's parents, Aubrey and Katie speak to "Good Morning America," April 13, 2021. "He was connected to people, people knowing him and being in that community and of course feeling outraged," she said. Just 10 miles away in Minneapolis, the murder trial of former officer Derek Chauvin is underway for the death of George Floyd last year. "And then I heard scuffling and the girl that was with him screaming, and I heard an officer ask for them to hang up the phone and then I didn't hear anything else. Al Sharpton on the police killing of Daunte Wright: 'You can die for having expired tags', "Twins, Timberwolves, Wild reschedule games after Daunte Wright shooting", "Vikings Release Statement on the Killing of Daunte Wright by Brooklyn Center Police", "Timberwolves continue to seek change in wake of Daunte Wright killing", "Brooklyn Center PD union president speaks out after Daunte Wright shooting", "Daunte Wright's Mother Katie Wright Speaks At Tuesday Press Conference", "Daunte Wright Spent Final Moments Talking With His Mother", "This is what Daunte Wright told his mother on the phone right before he was shot", "Iconic fist sculpture from George Floyd Square rises in Brooklyn Center", "What will happen to the George Floyd memorial and all the others of Black men killed by Minneapolis police", "At Daunte Wright Funeral, Minneapolis Mourns the 'Prince of Brooklyn Center', "Mourners gather in Minneapolis for funeral of Daunte Wright", "Minnesota Judicial Branch - 27-CR-21-7460: State vs. Kimberly Potter", "Judge: Behavior errors on table at ex-cop's homicide trial", "Jury selection is underway in Kim Potter manslaughter trial", "What to Know About Kimberly Potter's Trial for the Death of Daunte Wright", "Who are the lawyers in the Kim Potter trial? Floyd had been murdered during an arrest by Derek Chauvin of the Minneapolis police department on May 25, 2020. Daunte Wright's killing has sparked demonstrations -- some violent -- in Brooklyn Center, Minneapolis, Portland, New York and other cities. [24] At 1:53p.m. local time, the trainee officer initiated a traffic stop of Wright's vehicle on 63rd Avenue North and called for backup. "[112] At their game back on April 13, the Timberwolves and the visiting Brooklyn Nets observed a moment of silence for Daunte Wright before the game while most players wore shirts that read "With Liberty and Justice FOR ALL". [54][55][19], 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 of a gunshot wound of the chest. "I tried to call back three, four times, and the girl that was with him answered the phone, and she said that they shot him and he was lying in the driver's seat unresponsive," Katie explained during the interview, adding, "And then I heard an officer ask her to hang up the phone again and then after that, that's the last time I've seen my son. [20] The city settled the lawsuit with Albrecht-Payton in 2023 for $350,000. Wright Family Wright's aunt, Nyesha Wright, told reporters Tuesday that she hopes officials hold Potter "at the highest extent of the law." Discovery Company. He had a smile that was angelic. The Washington State Legislature passed House Bill 1267, which will create a statewide office to investigate use-of-force incidents by July 2022, and Senate Bill 5259, which will create a statewide database of use-of-force incidents. According to Brooklyn Center Police Chief . ", "Protests erupt after death of Daunte Wright, 20-year-old Black man shot by police during traffic stop: What we know", "Protests erupt in Minneapolis suburb after deadly officer-involved shooting", "Daunte Wright shooting: Protesters clash with police after curfew in Minnesota; Vice President Harris calls for 'justice and healing', "Medical examiner declares Daunte Wright death a homicide", "Brooklyn Center chief: Cop meant to use Taser on Wright; curfew in effect in metro area", "Second night of unrest after fatal police shooting of Daunte Wright outside Minneapolis", "Officer who shot Daunte Wright identified", "Officer who shot, killed Daunte Wright and Brooklyn Center police chief both resign", "The officer who fatally shot Daunte Wright just resigned, as did the chief of police", "Brooklyn Center City Council recommends firing police chief, officer after shooting", "Daunte Wright news: Kim Potter flees home as unrest expected ahead of charging decision Wednesday", "Mayor asks for Minnesota attorney general to take up Daunte Wright shooting case", "Ex-officer Kim Potter to be charged with second-degree manslaughter in Daunte Wright case", "Former Brooklyn Center officer arrested, to be charged with manslaughter in Daunte Wright's death", "Daunte Wright Shooting: Fmr. As a freshman at Thomas Edison High . ", "They could have given him a ticket, given him a notice to show up. April 22, 2021 at 12:04 p.m. EDT. The police departments of Roeland Park, Kansas,[159] and St. Ann, Missouri,[160] 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. . The defense argued that Wright resisted arrest, which contributed to a "slip and capture" error. "But it doesnt -- will not justify violence and/or looting. Ben Crump. [113], Chuck Valleau, head of the Brooklyn Center police union, said, "The death of Daunte Wright is terrible. She also lead the crowd in a quiet moment in honor of Daunte. The mother of Daunte Wright, a Black man who died on Sunday after being shot by a police officer, has spoken out about her son's death. [86][87] 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. A person raises their fist during a funeral held for Daunte Wright at Shiloh . Topline. "[109], 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. The family of Daunte Wright says the conviction of former Minnesota police officer Kim Potter in Wright's death is a "bittersweet" moment ahead of the Christmas holiday, when "what we'll be able . The car sped off, traveling several blocks before crashing into another vehicle. Daunte Wright's wake draws family, community and activists . "This officer has been on the force for 26 years. "[152] Though that officer was charged, a judge dismissed the charges. Family and friends, foreground, of Daunte Wright, 20, mourn Sunday, April 11, 2021, in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. The City and Insurance Trust believe the early resolution of this matter will permit the family to begin the healing process and will give the City an opportunity to rebuild the relationship between its Police Department and the community, attorney Jason M. Hiveley added. "Daunte put the phone down, I heard some scuffling. Also under the settlement, a permanent memorial for Wright will be built at the existing Daunte Wright Memorial, according to the legal team. [75] Ali had been serving as the prosecution's Washington County co-counsel, with Orput, prior to the state Attorney General's office taking over the case. ", I miss him so much already, and it's onlybeen a day, Katie Wright said at Monday's vigil. 2. [62][100], City manager Curt Boganey, speaking at an April 12 press conference of Brooklyn Center officials, said, "All employees working for the city of Brooklyn Center are entitled to due process with respect to discipline. Daunte Wright was driving in Brooklyn Center, about 10 miles northwest of Minneapolis, when he was stopped by police on Sunday afternoon. 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. 0:30. Aubrey recalled the moment he learned about what happened to his son. Another shows Wright, wearing a COVID-19 face mask and his son wearing a bib with the inscription . Daunte Wright is seen here in an undated file photo. The Daunte Wright Sr. Memorial Fund seeks to raise funds to pay for the 20-year-old shooting victim's funeral and burial expenses, and for "mental health and grief counseling" for his family. [46][47] Immediately after shooting Wright, she was still holding the piece of paper with her left hand. Other speakers included Rev. Gwen and I are praying for Daunte Wright's family as our state mourns another life of a Black man taken by law enforcement. Potter said she meant to use her service Taser, shouting "Taser! Daunte Wright's mother Katie Wright said Tuesday that she wants to see "justice served" after her 20-year-old son was killed by police in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota.. Officer Kim Potter, part of the Brooklyn Center Police negotiation team, in a photo taken on May 31, 2007. Facebook Daunte Wright. [68][35][31] The criminal complaint against Potter stated that she caused Wright's death "by her culpable negligence," whereby she "created an unreasonable risk and consciously took a chance of causing death or great bodily harm" to Wright. Justice would be no more names being yelled in our streets. [24] Potter's supervisor arrived on the scene, and the officers ran Wright's name through a police database. Shortly after Wrights death, the Brooklyn Center Police Department released video of how the traffic stop unfolded. Daunte Wright's mother, . [139] She continued, "I'll never be able to forgive you for what you've stolen from us. This photo provided by Ben Crump Law, PLLC. Frank was also the lead prosecutor for the trial of Derek Chauvin. [21] Wright, who was unarmed, began to resist arrest, struggled with the officers, broke free, and stepped back into his car. [31], After her indictment, Potter was arrested, booked into a Hennepin County jail and released a few hours later after posting a $100,000 bail bond. She . Offers may be subject to change without notice. Daunte Wright's family mourns a young man killed by police. [121], Wright's funeral was held in Minneapolis on April 22, 2021. Apr 17, 2021, 7:47 AM. Potter testified in her defense, claiming that she mistook her gun for a Taser and admitting to fatally shooting Wright. The 20-year-old needed to get . Taser!" The officer -- identified by authorities as Kim Potter, a 26-year veteran of the Brooklyn Center Police Department -- intended to deploy her Taser instead of her gun when she "accidentally" shot Daunte Wright, Gannon said. "[58] On April 13, Gannon announced his resignation, alongside that of Potter. "And then I heard an officer ask her to hang up the phone again and then after that, that's the last time I've seen my son. The family of Daunte Wright celebrate a guilty verdict for Kim Potter outside of the Hennepin County Government Center on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, in Minneapolis. Daunte Wright had led a life of crime and violence in the years before his death, DailyMail.com can reveal . The family of Daunte Wright said they felt "cheated" of justice on Friday after the white former Minnesota police officer Kim Potter received just 24 months in prison for the manslaughter of . This appears to me, from what I viewed and the officer's reaction and distress immediately after, that this was an accidental discharge that resulted in the tragic death of Mr. [29] The officers decided to arrest Wright and ensure the passenger was not the same woman who had the protective order against him. Here's a breakdown of what they've said so far. [144], On April 12, 2021, Wright's family hired civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump. However, she claims that officers commanded that the call end in the middle of Daunte's altercation with them. [115] The girlfriend of George Floyd was also one of Wright's former teachers, and attended the press conference for support. The city of Brooklyn Center, Minn., has agreed to pay a $3.2 million settlement to the family of Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man who was fatally shot by a police officer during a traffic . People involved Daunte Wright. A guiding principle of our efforts was to strike a balance between holding Brooklyn Center accountable, while not undermining the financial stability of the city or limiting the services it provides.. "This officer has been on the force for 26 years. The settlement in Wrights case also calls for training related to traffic stops for equipment violations that do not interfere with the safety of the driver, passenger or members of the community, according to familys attorneys. 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. [128] Amanda Montgomery, Paul Engh and Earl Gray represented Potter. [59][60] Potter was placed on administrative leave by the Brooklyn Center police pending further investigation. I just shot him, she said in the video, adding, I grabbed the wrong f**king gun, and I shot him.. Daunte Wright. Daunte Wright's mother, Katie Wright, told ABC News that her son had called her during the traffic stop. Image via YouTube. just before firing her service pistol instead. During trial, Potter said, I didnt want to hurt anybody., Daunte Wright's mother was approached and grabbed by police while trying to film a traffic stop, I was very distraught. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating the shooting. [49] 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. "[104] Vice President Kamala Harris said "Daunte's family needs answers" on Twitter. A demonstrator holds up a portrait of Daunte Wright outside the Hennepin County Government Center during the sentencing hearing for former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter on February 18 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. "[98], Minnesota Lt. Officer Kim Potter Released From Jail Hours After Arrest For Manslaughter Charges", "Officer Who Killed Daunte Wright Makes 1st Court Appearance In Manslaughter Case", "Here's what we know about Kim Potter, the officer who fatally shot Daunte Wright", "AG Ellison's office to lead prosecution of officer charged in Daunte Wright's death", "Prosecutor on Wright's death case resigns, citing 'vitriol', "Former Kim Potter prosecutor resigns his post, citing 'partisan politics', "State adds 1st-degree manslaughter charge against former officer Kim Potter", "Protesters demand justice over police shooting of 20-year-old Black man in Minneapolis suburbs", "Protests Grow In Minnesota And Around U.S. Over Death of Daunte Wright", "Hundreds ignore curfew to protest Daunte Wright shooting outside Brooklyn Center P.D. "[108], Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis offered prayers and condolences to all parties concerned, adding: "While early indications point towards the shooting being accidental, I encourage allowing investigators from the [BCA] to complete a thorough investigation before coming to any personal judgments as to what occurred. Jurors on Thursday convicted Potter of two manslaughter charges in the killing of Daunte Wright, a Black motorist she shot during a traffic stop after she said she confused her gun for her Taser. Chu also said her revised ruling was unrelated to a November 6 demonstration that occurred outside a house that protesters believed was Chu's. He had sisters and brothers that he loved so much," Katie Wright said. I never imagined this is what was going to happen. At the news conference that also gathered George Floyd's family and other relativesof victims of police violence,Katie Wright spoke in soft tones as she recounted the last time she saw or spoke with her son, whom Garraway and family said was mentored at Thomas Edison High School in Minneapolis by Floyd's girlfriend, Courteney Ross. "An accident is knocking over a glass of milk," Jeff Storms, an attorney for Wright's family, said during a press conference outside Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis. Naisha Wright called her nephew's death "murder" and demanded that the officer be held to the "highest" standard in the law. That's when she heard police ask her son to step out of the vehicle. "This officer has been on the force for 26 years. Potter is required to serve two-thirds of her two-year sentence in prison, or 16 months, according to state law. "And we will continue to work with all fair-minded Americans to confront historical inequities and bring about nationwide changes that are so long overdue.". A GoFundMe page for a memorial fund for Wright has so far raised over $560,000 as of Wednesday morning. He struggled with a learning disability and dropped out of high school about two years ago, his father told The Washington Post. Five days earlier, her son, Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old father of one, had been shot and killed by a single bullet fired by a white police . Kelly Bryant, Daunte Wright's aunt, has started a GoFundMe page to cover her nephew's funeral costs. The passengers in the other vehicle were not injured, according to Gannon. [129] 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. With good behavior, she could be eligible for supervised release for the remaining third. Family and friends of Daunte Wright, 20, grieve after they say he was shot and killed by police on 11 April 2021 in Brooklyn Center (AP) The death of a 20-year-old Black man, Daunte Wright , in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota on Sunday has sparked protests against the police even as tensions were already running high due to the murder trial of a . He wona $27 million settlement with the city over Floyd's death. Justice is beyond the reach that we have in this life for Daunte. "A second goes by, and I hear the police officer come back up to the window and ask Daunte to get out of the car," she said. Albrecht-Payton had suffered a broken jaw when Wright's vehicle crashed. ABC News' Alexandra Faul, Sabina Ghebremedhin, Will Gretsky, Will McDuffie, Molly Nagle, Stephanie Ramos and Matt Stone contributed to this report.