The home of former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter, who was charged with manslaughter in the shooting death of Daunte Wright, is being protected by wire fences and multiple uniformed policemen.
Photos of the suburban residence showed concrete barriers, metal fencing, two law enforcement vehicles, and a portable restroom. Signs affixed to the perimeter warn bystanders that the area is under “24-hour video surveillance.”
Potter, who was released from confinement after fronting a $100,000 bond, is scheduled for her first court appearance Thursday after being charged with second-degree manslaughter a day prior. Wright, a 20-year-old black man, was shot during a traffic stop Sunday.
Potter, a white, 26-year veteran of the department who announced her resignation Tuesday, meant to fire her Taser but used her handgun instead, according to former Police Chief Tim Gannon, who resigned after Potter. Body camera footage showed the struggle between officers and Wright as he tried to flee in his car. Potter can be heard yelling, “Taser! Taser!” before striking him once with gunfire.
The Hennepin County medical examiner released its autopsy report Monday, which said Wright, who crashed into another car several blocks away, “died of a gunshot wound of the chest and manner of death is homicide.”
Wright had an active warrant at the time of the shooting and was previously charged with first-degree aggravated robbery, fleeing from police, and possession of a handgun without a permit.
Washington County Attorney Pete Orput confirmed Potter’s charges Wednesday.
“Certain occupations carry an immense responsibility and none more so than a sworn police officer,” said Imran Ali, Washington County assistant criminal division chief, in a statement. “With that responsibility comes a great deal of discretion and accountability. We will vigorously prosecute this case and intend to prove that Officer Potter abrogated her responsibility to protect the public when she used her firearm rather than her taser. Her action caused the unlawful killing of Mr. Wright and she must be held accountable.”
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Wright’s death has roiled Brooklyn Center as rioters have descended on its streets for four consecutive days. Police have dealt with violent demonstrators ransacking businesses, defying curfews, and attacking them. On Tuesday night, more than 60 were apprehended throughout the unrest, while on Wednesday, 24 people found themselves behind bars.
