The leader of Minnesota’s largest police union placed the blame for Daunte Wright’s death on the 20-year-old victim himself.
In an interview on Wednesday (April 14), Brian Peters, executive director of the Minnesota Police and Officers Association, said that Wright’s death was the result of “non-compliance.”
“This is going to be an unpopular statement,” Peters said. “Daunte Wright, if he would have just complied. He was told he was under arrest. They were arresting him on a warrant for weapons. He set off a chain of events that unfortunately led to his death.”
“I’m not excusing it,” Peters added. “But what we’re seeing in policing these days is that non-compliance by the public.”
Wright was fatally shot by former Brooklyn Center, Minnesota police officer Kimberly Potter during a traffic stop on Sunday (April 11). After releasing body cam footage, former Brooklyn Center Police Chief Tim Gannon called the shooting “an accidental discharge” after Potter is heard yelling “Taser!” in the video clip, but instead held her firearm and shot Wright.
Potter was charged with second-degree manslaughter on Wednesday (April 14) and bonded out of jail hours later.
Wright’s family is reportedly demanding more severe charges for the 26-year police veteran as the city and nation deals with ongoing police violence.
During a press conference on Thursday (April 15), Wright’s mother, Katie Wright, said, “there’s never going to be any justice for us,” as they deal with the loss of their son.
Protests have continued over Wright’s death, which took place just miles away from where officers killed George Floyd last May.
Photo: Getty Images