Show Notes
After three days of deliberation a jury found former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter guilty of two counts of manslaughter in the death of Daunte Wright.
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Feven Gerezgiher reports:
After three days of deliberation, on Thursday a jury found former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter guilty of two counts of manslaughter in the death of Daunte Wright.
Judge Chu rejected the defense’s request to allow Potter home for the holidays while she awaits sentencing.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison gave an impassioned speech after the trial reflecting on Wright’s lost future, and recognizing public safety officers.
“We hold you in high regard,” he said, “and we also hold you to high standards.”
Outside the courthouse, a crowd gathered around Wright’s brother Damik.
“This is the start of a new life for everybody, not just for us but for everybody here,” he said. “Change is coming!”
Minneapolis resident Jessamine McGee says the news meant the world to them.
“Man, I’m very happy about the verdict. I feel like it was well-deserved,” said McGee. “Any other outcome would have been like mockery to this whole country and what it’s supposed to stand for.”
Supporters danced along to music by Brass Solidarity, a musical project “birthed of protest” following a verdict in the Derek Chauvin case.
At a distance from the crowd, Sam Richards from the Pine Ridge reservation drummed and prayed for peace and healing for the Wright family.
Potter’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 18th.
What is Racial Reckoning: The Arc of Justice?
Right now: Covering the trial of Kim Potter accused of killing Daunte Wright, the community’s reaction, and exploring the changes needed to create a more just society.
Racial Reckoning: The Arc of Justice is a journalism initiative from Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities, KMOJ Radio, and the Minnesota Humanities Center covering the trials of the officers accused of killing George Floyd, the community’s reaction, and exploring the changes needed to create a more just society.