Daunte Wright’s Parents Speak Out After His Death

The parents of Daunte Wright spoke out about his death to ABC’s Good Morning America with Robin Roberts. Wright, an unarmed 20-year-old Black man, was shot and killed at a traffic stop by officer Kim Potter on April 11. Hundreds of demonstrators have taken to the streets to peacefully protest, in regards to Daunte’s parents who have urged peace.

After being pulled over at a traffic stop, Daunte called his mother, Katie Wright, and explained how he was pulled over for having air fresheners in his rearview mirror. His mother shared this information with ABC News and continued to clarify the story. She stayed on the phone so she could give the officer the insurance information, but when the officer approached the car again they told Daunte to step out of the car and hand up the phone. Katie tried calling her son back three or four times when the girl who was in the car with Daunte picked up the phone and delivered the devastating news of him being shot.

“I want to say thank you so much for the support and standing by us,” Katie Wright said in regards to those who have been protesting for her son, “and making sure that my son’s name doesn’t get swept under the rug.”

According to Brooklyn Center Police Chief Tim Gannon, the officer who shot Daunte meant to use her taser instead of her gun. The chief claims the shooting to be accidental, but Daunte’s father Aubrey Wright doesn’t accept that. Potter has been a part of the police department for 26 years. Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliot has called for Potter to be fired and she has since resigned along with Gannon.

“They could have given him a ticket, given him a notice to show up, “Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump said. “But just like in George Floyd — they could have given him a ticket — they used the most force when it comes to dealing with marginalized minorities. We can’t have these two Americas — one where we treat Black Americans different from white Americans in policing.”

Katie Wright described her son as “an amazing, loving kid” who “had a big heart,” “bright” smile, and “loved basketball.” She goes on to add, “He had a 2-year-old son that’s not going to be able to play basketball with him. He had sisters and brothers that he loved so much. He just had his whole life taken away from him. We had our hearts pulled out of our chests. He was my baby.”

If you want to support or donate in honor of Daunte Wright go to any of the following organizations: centerforeconomicinclusion.org, voicesforracialjustice.org, edalliesmn.org, ujamaaplace.org.