Daunte Wright’s Family Has Received Death Threats, Racist Calls, Emails

An attorney for the mother of Daunte Wright’s child said the family has received death threats after the 20-year-old was shot and killed by a Minneapolis police officer. 

Thomas Bowers said during a press conference on Friday that the family has received racist emails and calls. Some people have told the family they are happy that Wright was killed, according to CNN.

“There have been some threats to the family, which is disturbing,” he said.

Wright was stopped by police on April 11 for an expired tag. Officers tried to arrest Wright on an outstanding warrant, but he resisted and tried to get back into his vehicle. The officer, Kim Potter, reportedly mistook her gun for her taser and fatally shot Wright.

Potter has since resigned and was arrested on charges of second-degree manslaughter. She is facing up to ten years in prison if convicted.

Wright’s death sparked protests in Brooklyn Center, a mere ten miles from where the trial for former MPD officer Derek Chauvin took place. 

Wright’s mother recalled that “he was loved by so many” at his funeral on Thursday. She said, “My son had a smile that was worth a million dollars,” Wright said. “When he walked in the room, he lit up the room. He was a brother, a jokester; he was loved by so many. He’s going to be so missed.”

Civil rights leader Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy, and the service was attended by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn. The service was also attended by George Floyd’s family, Gov. Tim Walz, Sen. Tina Smith, Rep. Ilhan Omar, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.