Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is leading the prosecution in the case against Kim Potter, the former Brooklyn Center police officer who fatally shot Daunte Wright during a traffic stop last month.
The case was previously being handled by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, but they asked Ellison to take it on instead. “Daunte Wright was a son, a brother, a father, a friend. I did not seek this prosecution and do not accept it lightly,” Ellison told CBS Minnesota. “I have had, and continue to have, confidence in how both County Attorney Orput and County Attorney Freeman have handled this case to date. I thank County Attorney Orput for the solid work he and his office have done, and I thank County Attorney Freeman once again for his confidence in my office.”
Potter is currently facing a second-degree manslaughter charge for the deadly shooting. Earlier this week, a judge set a tentative trial date for her on Dec. 6.
“Once again, we in Minnesota find ourselves at a moment where a deadly-force encounter with police has galvanized our grief and focused our attention,” Ellison added. “If prosecutors ensure that prosecutions are vigorous and swift, if legislators at every level pass long-overdue reforms, if police leadership demonstrates misconduct has no place in the profession, and if community continues to keep up the cry for justice, we will break the cycle of history and establish a new standard for justice.”
On April 11, Wright was pulled over because he had an expired registration on his vehicle. Officers then noticed air fresheners hanging on his mirror, which was another violation. Authorities found out that there was an outstanding warrant for the young man and attempted to handcuff and arrest him, but he tried to get back into his vehicle.
Potter discharged her firearm and shot Wright in the chest. She said that she meant to shoot her taser.