The killing of Daunte Wright and trial of Kimberly Potter

Daunte Wright, 20, was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center, Minn., on April 11, 2021. The city’s police chief said that officer Kimberly Potter, a 26-year police veteran, had intended to stun the man with her Taser gun but accidentally drew her handgun instead and fired once.

Wright’s death sparked days of protests, and Potter, the officer who shot Wright, resigned two days after the killing, as did police Chief Tim Gannon. Potter was found guilty of first- and second-degree manslaughter. Potter was sentenced Friday to two years in prison. She’s expected to spend about two-thirds of her sentence behind bars. With time already served, that leaves about 14 or 15 months remaining.

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Analysis of early testimony in the Potter trial from a criminal justice professor
The trial of former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter for the killing of Daunte Wright is in its second day of testimony. For analysis of what’s happened so far, host Cathy Wurzer was joined by Kami Chavis, professor of law and director of the Criminal Justice Program at Wake Forest University.
What comes next for police reform in Minnesota?
Opening statements started this week in the trial of former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter. Potter is charged with manslaughter in the death of Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man. MPR News host Angela Davis spoke with reporters about the trial and the future of public safety reform in Minnesota
Kimberly Potter trial: Wright girlfriend testifies on fatal police stop
Prosecutors on Thursday emphasized the collateral damage done as they pressed their case that the ex-Brooklyn Center officer acted recklessly in firing her service weapon. The judge also denied a defense motion for a mistrial.
Explainer: What will jurors hear about Daunte Wright?
Jurors at the manslaughter trial for the former police officer who said she mistakenly drew her handgun when she fatally shot Daunte Wright will hear testimony about the kind of person he was – within limits.
Minnesota jurors must speak English — some worry that's a proxy for race in jury selection
Attorneys can’t strike potential jurors because of their race, but they can excuse jurors for linguistic reasons in most courts. It happened in both the Derek Chauvin and Kimberly Potter trials.
Kimberly Potter trial: Emotions high as video of Wright killing plays in court
Opening statements and early witnesses brought intensity and drama to the courtroom Wednesday. Jurors saw police bodycam and dashcam video, including Potter shooting Wright, the chaotic aftermath and his mother’s emotional arrival at the scene.
Shadow of Floyd, Chauvin case hangs over Kimberly Potter's trial
It’s former Officer Kimberly Potter who’s on trial for the killing of Daunte Wright. But the trial in the same courtroom where ex-cop Derek Chauvin was convicted earlier this year of killing George Floyd is casting its shadow over the proceedings.
Brooklyn Center council approves compromise public safety budget
The city of Brooklyn Center is making changes in its approach to public safety in the wake of the killing by a police officer of Daunte Wright. But a compromise preserved more of the Police Department.
Kimberly Potter trial: A look at the case before the trial begins Wednesday
The former Brooklyn Center police officer is facing manslaughter charges in the shooting death of Daunte Wright — a 20-year-old Black man. Jury selection wrapped up last week.