Photo: Getty Images
The city of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota has halted plans to take down a memorial dedicated to Daunte Wright, the 20-year-old father who was fatally shot on April 11, 2021 during a traffic stop. The move comes after Wright's family spoke out against the plan.
"Leave the memorial because it's honestly not hurting anybody but it will hurt a lot of people taking it down," Wright's mother, Katie Wright, told NBC News Sunday (March 13).
The outlet reported that Katie Wright, her husband and Daunte's father, Arbuey Wright, along with their attorney, Jeff Storms are planning to meet with Brooklyn Center city manager Reggie Edwards and city attorney Troy Gilchrist on Tuesday (March 15) after Edwards notified them about the plan to take it down.
The memorial is located at the intersection where Daunte was fatally shot by former Brooklyn Center officer Kimberly Potter who was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison in his killing. The memorial includes photos, posters, candles, and other items placed on and around a platform that includes a large statue of the Black power fist. Other victims of police brutality are also honored here.
Katie Wright said the city is committed to working with the family to mark the one-year anniversary of Daunte's killing, noting that Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott has shown support and is "leading with his heart to do what is right."
A candlelight vigil is expected to be held April 11 at the memorial.
Reading about Black trauma can have an impact on your mental health. If you or someone you know need immediate mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.