Kim Thompson, a seasoned officer with 26 years of experience in the Brooklyn Center Police Department in Minnesota, is facing second-degree manslaughter charges following the tragic death of Daunte Wright during a traffic stop. The incident occurred on April 11, 2021, when 20-year-old Wright was fatally shot in the chest after being stopped for expired license plates.
Body camera footage indicates that Thompson mistakenly believed she was deploying a taser rather than her firearm when she discharged her weapon, resulting in Wright’s death. This incident, reminiscent of numerous similar cases involving Black men in recent years, occurred a mere ten miles from the location where George Floyd was killed by a police officer, amidst the ongoing trial of Derek Chauvin for Floyd’s death.
In the aftermath of Wright’s shooting, both Thompson and Brooklyn Center Police Chief Tim Gannon resigned. Gannon attempted to justify Thompson’s actions during a press conference, asserting that she had confused her taser with her gun. This explanation has only intensified public outrage, leading many to question how such a grave error could occur and what police reform could realistically achieve in preventing future tragedies.
Under Minnesota law, second-degree manslaughter carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $20,000. “While we appreciate that the district attorney is pursuing justice for Daunte, no conviction can give the Wright family their loved one back. This was no accident. This was an intentional, deliberate, and unlawful use of force,” stated Ben Crump, attorney for the Wright family. He emphasized the urgent need for significant changes in the system and vowed to continue advocating for justice for all marginalized communities.
Brooklyn Center Mayor James Turner expressed his grief over the incident, labeling it “heartbreaking” and highlighting the systemic risks faced by Black individuals during police encounters. “If you’re Black and you get pulled over by the police, you have a much higher chance of being dead just because of your race,” he remarked. “People protesting are asking when will this stop.”
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Summary:
Kim Thompson, a veteran officer, has been charged with second-degree manslaughter for the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright during a traffic stop. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, especially given its proximity to the George Floyd case. Advocates are calling for meaningful reforms in policing to prevent similar tragedies.
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