Minnesota police officer who fatally shot black man, meant to draw taser, not gun: Police

Brooklyn Center Police said in a press conference that the police officer who fatally shot a black 20-year-old man on Sunday meant to use a non-lethal taser instead of the shotgun.

 Tim Gannon, Chief Brooklyn Center said, “The officer drew their handgun instead of their taser. This was an accidental discharge, that resulted in a tragic death of Mr. (Daunte) Wright,” reported AFP. 

“There is nothing I can say to lessen the pain of Mr Wright’s family,” he said at a press conference on Monday.

Also Read: Protests in Minneapolis after Black man shot dead by police

Gannon then showed reporters the police body camera video of the shooting. The officers are seen pulling Daunte Wright out of his car due to a traffic violation. After some agitation, Wright attempts to drive away as a female officer shouts “taser, taser.”

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Later, the officer is heard saying, “Holy sh*t, I shot him.”

The death of Wright has triggered protests in Minnesota where the trial of Derek Chauvin is currently underway. Chauvin is charged with the murder of George Floyd, another black man. 

The police officers were trying to take Daunte into custody after they found out during a traffic stop that he had outstanding warrants to his name.