MINNEAPOLIS — Family, friends and the public gathered Wednesday to view the body of Daunte Wright, the 20-year-old black man who was fatally shot by a Brooklyn Center police officer last week.
His death sparked protests that coincided with the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, just 10 miles from Brooklyn Center.
Hundreds of mourners flocked to Shiloh Temple International Ministries in Minneapolis for the viewing, which took place a day after Chauvin’s conviction.
“As we got the verdict last night for George Floyd and people were celebrating all over the country, I was crying,” the Rev. Al Sharpton said. “The thing that bothered me was right down the road, Daunte Wright.”
“Minnesota doesn’t have the right to talk about what they did right until they get this right,” he added. “Don’t tell me what you did for George Floyd and ignored what happened to Daunte Wright.”
Wright, who was killed during a traffic stop on April 11, lay in a white open casket covered in red roses.
Behind him, a large screen played a slideshow of photos and videos of family and friends.
His parents, Katie and Aubrey, who marked a wedding anniversary Wednesday, sat in the front row crying.
Wright’s brother, AJ, and his sister Crystal, were among those who came up to view the casket.
Wright’s brothers and sisters were also among those who came up to view the casket.
Bianca Austin, an aunt of Breonna Taylor — who was shot and killed by Louisville, Ky., police in March 2020 — also came to pay her respects before flying home to Louisville.
“I’m here supporting other families,” she told The Post. “With the verdict yesterday, with Dante’s funeral and everything I’m here to be a support for everyone.”
Wright’s funeral is set for Thursday at the same church. He is survived by a two-year-old son.
Kim Potter, who resigned from the police department after the incident, has been charged with second-degree manslaughter. She has yet to enter a plea.
