Crime & Safety
Police Fatally Shoot 20-Year-Old Black Man In Brooklyn Center, MN
National Gaurd troops, who were tasked with safeguarding ex-officer Derek Chauvin's trial in Minneapolis, were sent to curb vandalism.
BROOKLYN CENTER, MN — Law enforcement and protesters clashed and businesses were destroyed overnight in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Center after police fatally shot a 20-year-old Black man.
Just before 2 p.m. Sunday, police say they stopped a car for a traffic violation near the 6300 block of Orchard Avenue. The driver, later identified by the family as Daunte Wright, had an outstanding warrant, according to officers.
When they tried to take him into custody, Wright got back into the car, according to police. An officer then shot Wright, who drove several blocks before crashing into another car.
Find out what's happening in Southwest Minneapolisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Wright died at the scene. A woman who was in the passenger seat of the car was taken to North Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The people in the other car were not injured.
Police body cameras and dash cameras were likely activated during the shooting, according to the department.
Find out what's happening in Southwest Minneapolisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Protesters gathered at Brooklyn Center police headquarters Sunday night. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd, reports KARE 11.
Looting began Sunday evening in the city and spread into Minneapolis. Foot Locker, T Mobile, and a New York men’s clothing store in Brooklyn Center were "completed destroyed," the Star Tribune's Liz Sawyer reported.
National Gaurd troops, who were activated in February to maintain order during the murder trial against former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd, arrived at the scene to curb vandalism.
Brooklyn Center mayor Mike Elliott issued a curfew until 6 a.m. Monday, urging protesters to "please go home."
We are continuing to monitor the situation. As Mayor, I am imposing a curfew in the City Of Brooklyn Center. The curfew will be in place until 6am on Monday April 12, 2021. We want to make sure everyone is safe. Please be safe and please go home. pic.twitter.com/bJYGCE5GaW
— Mayor Mike Elliott (@mayor_elliott) April 12, 2021
"Our entire community is filled with grief following today’s officer-involved shooting of Daunte Wright, a 20 year old young man," Elliot, who is Black, said in a statement. "Our hearts are with his family, and with all those in our community impacted by this tragedy."
Elliot said President Joe Biden called him Monday morning to offer his administration's support.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is leading the investigation into the shooting.
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