Another Black man’s life was senselessly taken away at the hands of the police.
As reported on news sources, Duante Wright, 20, was killed by cops after a traffic stop. Wright reportedly called his mother as it was happening and told her they pulled him over because of his air fresheners hanging from the rearview mirror.
CNN reports around 2 p.m. on April 11; authorities pulled Wright over. They ran his name and learned he had outstanding warrants. The article said when Wright attempted to go in his car; the cops shot him. Wright drove several blocks and hit another vehicle. Medics reportedly attempted to save Wright’s life, but he died at the scene.
Protesters stormed the streets and marched toward the police department. Mayor Mike Elliot described the scene as “growing civil unrest.” Video footage shows people attempting to damage police cars. Police fired tear gas and stun grenades.
Minnesota deployed the Minnesota National Guard, and Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott issued a curfew until 6 a.m. Monday (7 a.m. ET), the article notes. The National Guards were deployed there already for the murder trial of Derek Chauvin over the death of George Floyd.
Wright’s mother told CNN what happened when her son called her. While crying, she said,
“They pulled him over because he had air fresheners hanging from the rearview mirror. A minute later, I called, and his girlfriend answered, which was the passenger in the car, and said that he’d been shot.” She continued,
“He didn’t deserve to be shot and killed like this.”
There’s body camera footage of the encounter, but it hasn’t been released yet. Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is investigating. BBC reports, Mayor Elliott said, “our hearts are with his family” and pledged, “we are going to make sure that everything is done in our power to ensure justice.”
Take a look at a news report by CBS:
Brooklyn Center closed all school buildings, programs, and activities for Monday, April 12. There will be a press briefing later today; we’ll keep you updated.