Show Notes
Potter said she did not intend to use deadly force against Duante Wright. She stated she didn’t recall saying “I’m going to go to prison” immediately after the shooting.
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Safiya Mohamed reports:
Former Police Officer Kim Potter took the stand on Friday in her own defense.
During her testimony, Potter repeatedly broke down and expressed remorse for her actions.
“I’m sorry it happened. I’m so sorry,” she cried.
Through tears, Potter admitted that she did not intend to use deadly force against Duante Wright. While being questioned by Prosecutor Erin Eldridge, she stated that she didn’t recall saying “I’m going to go to prison” immediately after the shooting.
“I didn’t wanna hurt anybody,” she sobbed.
Prosecutor Eldridge asked Potter what actions she took following the shooting. Potter admitted she did not render aid to Wright.
Psychologist Laurence Miller was also called to testify by the defense. He was asked by Potter’s attorney to explain an “action error,” and how that contributed to the shooting.
“An action error is a sequence of responses in which an intended action has an unintended effect,” said Miller. “You intend to do one thing, think you're doing that thing, but do something else, and only realize later that the action that you intended was not the one you took.”
Miller explained that stress is often what causes action errors. In Kim Potter’s case, she mistook her gun for her taser.
“There's nothing wrong with that person's perception,” said Miller. “If you put the two objects in front of them, they can easily tell the difference. But the perception isn't working. It's offline.”
Outside of the courthouse, the family of Daunte Wright and others pledged to continue fighting police brutality and pushing for legislative change.
The prosecution and the defense are expected to make their closing arguments Monday, after which the jury will begin its deliberations.
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.