Manslaughter case can proceed against ex-cop who fatally shot Daunte Wright, judge rules

A second-degree manslaughter case may proceed against the former suburban Minneapolis police officer who fatally shot 20-year-old Black motorist Daunte Wright, a judge ruled Monday.

Former Brooklyn Center Officer Kim Potter, who is White, appeared via video conference for a pretrial hearing Monday afternoon in Hennepin County District Court. The purpose of such a hearing is to go over evidence and determine if there's probable cause for the case to proceed. The judge ruled there is, and set a tentative trial date for December 6. Wright, father of a young son, was killed April 11 after a traffic stop. The former Brooklyn Center police chief has said he believes Potter meant to use her Taser on Wright instead of her handgun. Body camera video shows her shouting "Taser!" multiple times before firing. The shooting ignited days of unrest. Wright's family members and protesters had wanted prosecutors to file murder charges.