Daunte Wright's mom Katie was shocked to learn that there were plans to start removing some of the items left at the memorial site at 63rd Avenue North and Kathrene Drive early next week, less than one year after his death at the hands of police officer Kim Potter.
When Brooklyn Center Mayor Michael Elliot got word of the plan, he quickly stepped in and met with family and their attorney, saying it will remain. Elliot called it a sacred spot with many items honoring the young man who was shot by Potter.
“This had come to symbolize so many of these killings of Black people in America,” Elliot says. “It is a sign of empowerment.”
Elliot says some people in the neighborhood reportedly wanted it removed, but he says the memorial is not blocking traffic. He says they are standing firm in their position to keep it intact.
“We are doing what has really never been done, which is center the voices of those who have been marginalized in our community and those who have suffered from police violence,” Elliot tells WCCO’s Susie Jones. “As we move ahead and make, you know, the decisions around the memorial.”
Wright was killed on April 11, 2021 after Brooklyn Center officers pulled over the 20-year-old Black man for having expired license tags and an air freshener hanging from his rearview mirror, violations that civil rights activists say are used as a pretext to stop Black motorists.
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Kim Potter, the former police officer who said she confused her handgun for her Taser when she fatally shot Wright, was sentenced last month to two years in prison.
Since then, Mayor Elliot says they have worked to reform the system.
“According to our own police department analysis, only 22% of the calls that come into 911 are crime related,” Elliot says. “The rest are general calls for help, they’re medical welfare checks. The effort really is to have various other teams respond to the vast majority of calls that come into 911.”
The city is interested in partnering with the family and memorial volunteers for a celebration on the anniversary of the shooting Daunte’s mother, Katie Wright, said. She added that Mayor Elliott has been supportive and “leading with his heart and doing what is right.”
The venue of the celebration that weekend is to be determined, but a candlelight vigil will be held April 11 at the memorial.
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