Attorney General Ellison adds 1st-degree manslaughter charge against Kimberly Potter in death of Daunte Wright

New charge added to original charge of 2nd-degree manslaughter in April 11 death in Brooklyn Park

September 2, 2021 (SAINT PAUL) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison today filed an amended complaint in the case of State v. Kimberly Potter. The amended complaint adds an additional charge of manslaughter in the first degree, while retaining the original charge of manslaughter in the second degree. 

The complaint alleges that former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter committed first-degree manslaughter by recklessly handling a firearm when she fatally shot Daunte Wright during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center on April 11, 2021. The complaint continues to allege — as the original complaint did — that Kimberly Potter committed second-degree manslaughter by culpable negligence by using a firearm. 

In taking over the prosecution of this case from the Washington County Attorney, Attorney General Ellison pledged to conduct a thorough review of the evidence and make an independent decision on the level of charges. After conducting that review — which included consulting with an expert in police use of force — Attorney General Ellison confirmed that the original second-degree manslaughter charge is appropriate, but also concluded that an upgraded charge of first-degree manslaughter is warranted. 

This press release constitutes the entirety of the Attorney General’s Office’s public comment on the amended complaint. 

All public filings in this case are available on the State v. Kimberly Potter page on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website. A copy of the amended complaint is also on the Attorney General’s website.