On Sunday, Officer Kim Potter shot and killed 20 year-old Daunte Wright during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. He was unarmed.
On Tuesday, the 26 year veteran of the Brooklyn Center Police Department submitted a resignation letter, saying “I believe it is in the best interest of the community, the department and my fellow officers if I resign immediately.”
Mike Elliott, the mayor of Brooklyn Center, said he has not yet accepted Potter’s resignation. At a press conference on Tuesday, citizens pressed him to fire her instead. Elliot said his office is still reviewing the matter.
Meanwhile, CNN reports that Washington County Prosecutor Pete Orput said he “hopes” to have a charging decision regarding Potter by tomorrow.
Yesterday, the city’s police chief, Tim Gannon said Officer Potter mistook her firearm for a taser and accidentally killed Wright. His explanation sparked outrage. Aubrey Wright, the victim’s father said, “I can’t accept that — a mistake. That doesn’t even sound right.”
Chief Gannon also resigned on Monday.
City Manager Curt Boganey was fired by the city council on Monday over concerns about how he was handling protests inspired by Wright’s death.
Daunte Wright was black. Kim Potter is white. The racial implications struck a raw nerve in Brooklyn Center as the city still processes the nearby death of George Floyd. Floyd’s alleged murderer, a former police officer, currently stands trial in Minneapolis.
On Monday night, demonstrators gathered near the Brooklyn Center Police Department chanting “no justice, no peace.”
According to CNN:
Police fired tear gas and stun guns to disperse demonstrators, who authorities said were defying a curfew. And protesters threw “bottles, fireworks, bricks and other projectiles at public safety officials,” according to a tweet from Operation Safety Net, a joint effort of local agencies meant to ensure public safety during the Chauvin trial.
In addition to dispersing the demonstrators, authorities responded to multiple reports of break-ins and looting. About 40 arrests were made, Minnesota State Patrol Col. Matt Langer said early Tuesday.
Mayor Elliott appeared on CBS This Morning on Tuesday and said:
“We’re going to make sure that we get to the bottom of this case. We’re going to make sure that justice is done. We also are going to protect people’s rights to gather peacefully.”
“There are a number of people who are demonstrating, and that is part of change. But just everybody know that we’re working hard to make sure that we’re keeping the community safe, and making sure that justice is ultimately delivered.”