Ben Crump to represent family of Daunte Wright

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump announced on Monday that he has been retained to represent the family of Daunte Wright, the 20-year-old Black man who was shot dead by a police officer during a traffic stop Sunday.

“Daunte Wright is yet another young Black man killed at the hands of those who have sworn to protect and serve all of us — not just the whitest among us,” Crump said in the announcement.

Wright was shot after police officers attempted to arrest him for an outstanding warrant. He died shortly after driving away from the police officers who had detained him. The officer who shot him has been placed on administrative leave.

“As Minneapolis and the rest of the country continue to deal with the tragic killing of George Floyd, now we must also mourn the loss of this young man and father,” Crump continued. “This level of lethal force was entirely preventable and inhumane. What will it take for law enforcement to stop killing people of color? The growing number of Black men and women who have been killed or harmed by police is far too hefty a price for the equality we are seeking. We join Daunte’s family in demanding justice for him, and holding those responsible for his death accountable.”

During a press conference on Monday, Brooklyn Center Police Chief Tim Gannon said he believed that the officer who shot Wright intended to taze him.

“It is my belief that the officer had the intention to deploy their Taser, but instead shot Mr. Wright with a single bullet,” Gannon said.

Wright’s death ignited protests in Minnesota Sunday evening. Demonstrators climbed on top of the Brooklyn Center Police Department’s headquarters sign and chanted Wright’s name. A curfew was put in place by Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott, and the National Guard troops were deployed in the area.

Crump also represents the family of George Floyd, who died in May after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck for more than eight minutes.

Chauvin’s trial began in April, with closing arguments expected as early as next week.