Ex-Cop to Face Manslaughter Charge Over Daunte Wright Shooting
A former suburban Minneapolis police officer will be charged with second-degree manslaughter for the deadly shooting of 20-year-old motorist Daunte Wright. The announcement came just three days after the tense traffic stop that sparked protests and unrest in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota.
Kim Potter’s Fatal Mistake
Kim Potter, a 26-year police veteran and training officer, reportedly intended to use her Taser but accidentally fired her handgun. The tragic error ended Daunte Wright’s life and rocked the community.
Under Minnesota law, intent isn’t required for second-degree manslaughter. The charge, carrying up to 10 years in prison, can be applied when someone causes death through “culpable negligence” — taking reckless chances or creating an unreasonable risk.
Resignations and Rising Tensions
- Potter was arrested Wednesday morning at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in St. Paul.
- Both Potter and Brooklyn Center Police Chief Tim Gannon resigned on Tuesday.
- Nightly protests across Brooklyn Center continued, fueled by outrage over the killing of Wright, a 20-year-old Black man.
When asked about the charging decision, prosecutor Orput said: “I think it’ll be evident when you read the complaint.”
Potter’s lawyer has yet to respond to requests for comment. The community now looks on as the legal process unfolds amid demands for justice and police reform.
