Since George Floyd was tragically killed at the hands of Derek Chauvin last year, Minneapolis has been under the world’s gaze. The city has since been the epicenter of ensuing protests and more recently, the location of Daunte Wright’s police-involved killing and Chauvin’s murder trial. Earlier this week, residents briefly celebrated the jury’s decision to convict the former officer, but days later, feelings of sadness have once again taken over the city as hundreds of people gather to eulogize Wright at his funeral.
Wright’s funeral service started at 12 p.m. Central Time at Shiloh Temple International Ministries.
Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy, and Wright’s family lawyer Benjamin Crump shared a few words. George Floyd’s family — who stood with Wright’s relatives in a press conference this week — is in attendance alongside Philando Castile’s mother, Valerie Castile, and Gwen Carr, the mother of Eric Garner.
The funeral comes after Wright’s family gathered together to commemorate his life at a wake on Wednesday (April 21).
As REVOLT previously reported, Wright — a 20-year-old Black man — was shot and killed by Kim Potter — one of the officers who pulled him over for an expired license plate and the air fresheners that were hanging in his rearview window. When discovering he had outstanding warrants, they attempted to arrest him, but he tried to get back in his car and was hit. Potter — a 26-year-veteran of the department and a former police union president— later explained that her intention was to use her Taser, not her firearm.
The comment about her “accidental discharge” drew much criticism from many including Wright’s family, who said they “cannot accept” her explanation. Following all of the criticism, she resigned from her position alongside Brooklyn Center Police Chief Tim Gannon. Potter was arrested, charged with second-degree manslaughter and later released from Hennepin County Jail after posting $100,000 bail.