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Allegedly the police officer was under the impression that her firearm was actually her taser, according to police, reported The New York Post.
Brooklyn Center Police Chief Tim Gannon issued a statement the Wright’s death was due to “an accidental discharge.”
The police officer that fired her weapon has been put on administrative leave.
The officer can be heard through the body camera saying, “Oh s–t, I just shot him!”
The officer that fires the shot has been described as a “very senior” constituent of the police force.
Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott stated, “Let me be very clear.”
“My position is that we cannot afford to make mistakes that lead to the loss of life of other people in our profession.”
“So, I do fully support releasing the officer of her duties.”
“I think we can look at the video and ascertain whether or not she will return.”
Riots, looting, and chaotic protesting followed the tragic accident.
Brooklyn Center Police Chief Tim Gannon disclosed that he was unaware of the firearm that was found inside Wright’s vehicle and was pulled over for having an expired registration.
There’s no gun that I was made aware of.”
“It appeared to me in the video that the individual was trying to get back into his car to leave.”
During the chaos of the riots that followed the shooting of Duante Wright police officers said, “Once we got pelted, we responded in kind.”
Upon being asked if they should have responded in a different manner, the police officer stated, “Absolutely not.”
Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott stated, “Our hearts are aching right now.”
“And we recognize that this couldn’t have happened at a worse time.”
“We recognize that this is happening at a time when our community, when all of America, indeed, all of the world, is watching our community. We are collectively devastated.”
From The New York Post:
The new protests came as the murder trial of ex-Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin in Floyd’s death entered its third week of testimony at Hennepin County District Court.
Wright was with his girlfriend when he was pulled over on Orchard Avenue on Sunday, police said.
Cops said he had an outstanding arrest warrant — with Gannon saying Monday that it was for a “gross misdemeanor.”
According to police, Wright jumped back in his car when officers tried to arrest him and tried to flee, prompting cops to open fire. He drove several blocks before crashing.
His mother rushed to the scene and described a call she received from her son before he was shot and killed.
“Mom, I’m getting pulled over,” she said he told her. “They’re asking about insurance.”
The woman said she heard cops yelling, and told him to put the phone down and not to run. She said he was pulled over for having an air freshener hanging from the rearview mirror, according to reports.
The Wright family has retained civil rights lawyer Ben Crump — who also represents the Floyd family.
The attorney blasted the fatal shooting as “entirely preventable and inhumane.”
“What will it take for law enforcement to stop killing people of color?” Crump said in a statement. “The growing number of Black men and women who have been killed or harmed by police is far too hefty a price for the equality we are seeking. We join Daunte’s family in demanding justice for him, and holding those responsible for his death accountable.”
