A Minnesota judge has denied media requests to allow cameras in the courtroom during the upcoming hearing for Kim Potter, the former Brooklyn Center cop who was charged in the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright.
According to KARE 11, Judge Regina Chu made the ruling after Potter filed a written objection through her attorney against the cameras and audio, while Special Assistant Hennepin County Attorney Imran Ali, who represents the state, consented to them. Minnesota court rules that such recording can only be allowed if both parties agree to it.
Last month, Potter fatally shot Wright in the chest during a traffic stop. Brooklyn Center Police Chief Tim Gannon said the 20-year-old was initially pulled over because he had an expired registration on the vehicle. Officers then noticed the air fresheners hanging on his mirror, which was another violation.
Authorities found out that Wright had an outstanding warrant and attempted to handcuff and arrest him. As he tried to get back into his vehicle, Potter, who is a 26-year veteran of the department and former president of the union, pulled her weapon and shot the young man. She claimed that she meant to deploy her taser instead of her firearm.
On April 13, Potter announced her resignation from the department. “I have loved every minute of being a police officer and serving this community to the best of my ability, but I believe it is in the best interest of the community, the department and my fellow officers if I resign immediately,” she wrote.
A day later, the ex-cop was arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter for the shooting. According to charging documents, prosecutors accused her of “culpable negligence” and said she “created an unreasonable risk” when she shot the young man with a handgun instead of a taser.
Potter’s next hearing is scheduled for May 17 at 1:30 p.m. and is open to the public. Members of the media are allowed to attend via Zoom.