Judge Denies Request to Drop Charge Against Kimberly Potter

Racial Reckoning: The Arc of Justice

The former Brooklyn Center police officer will face both first and second degree manslaughter charges in the death of Daunte Wright. Meanwhile, Wright's family marked what would have been his 21st birthday. Georgia Fort reports:

A Hennepin county judge has denied a request to drop the most severe charges against former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter. Potter fatally shot Daunte Wright during a traffic stop in April. Potter faces both first-degree and second-degree manslaughter charges.

The news came Wednesday which would have been Daunte’s 21st birthday. His family held a public gathering to honor his life. Over a hundred people gathered at the Brooklyn Center Community center.

“I shouldn’t be celebrating my son as a memory. He should be here physically with us. And it’s not fair, said his mother Katie Wright. She said it’s been hard to overcome her grief.

“Before three weeks ago I was like ‘I’m not going to get out of bed - I can’t celebrate his birthday,’ but because so many supporters and family members pushed, they were like ‘No you have to celebrate him’ and I was able to get up and I’m happy I did,” Wright said.

Daunte’s birthday comes just days before a critical vote on the Minneapolis Public Safety Charter Amendment. Regardless of the outcome Daunte’s mother says police have to do better.

Kimberly Potter claims she accidentally drew her pistol on Daunte Wright when she meant to use her taser. Her trial is scheduled to begin November 30.