On Thursday, a former United States police officer was found guilty of manslaughter for fatally shooting a young African-American during a traffic stop, claiming that she mistook her weapon for a Taser.

Kim Potter, 49, was found guilty of first-degree and second-degree manslaughter for killing 20-year-old Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, earlier this year in April.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/daunte-wright-trial-prosecutor-says-cop-betrayed-her-badge-defence-blames-the-slain-victim-435308">Daunte Wright trial: Prosecutor says cop 'betrayed her badge', defence blames the slain victim</a>

It took place during the trial of white policeman Derek Chauvin, who kneeled on the neck of Black man George Floyd for around nine minutes in May 2020, asphyxiating him.

Nationwide protests against police brutality and racism were sparked by Floyd's death.&nbsp;

Potter is now facing up to 15 years in prison on the first charge and 10 years on the second charge, and her sentencing is expected to take place in February.

While the judge read out the guilty verdicts in court, she looked down and closed her eyes briefly, but otherwise did not react.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-police-officer-testifies-at-manslaughter-trial-for-killing-daunte-wright-437812">US police officer testifies at manslaughter trial for killing Daunte Wright</a>

"Her remorse and her regret for the incident is overwhelming. She's not a danger to the public at all," Paul Engh, Potter's lawyer, said as he asked Chu to release her on bail pending sentencing.

Potter, however, will remain in jail until her sentence is handed down.&nbsp;

In a statement, Wright's family expressed relief that "some measure of accountability" had been established for "the senseless death of their son, brother, father, and friend."

"From the unnecessary and overreaching tragic traffic stop to the shooting that took his life, that day will remain a traumatic one for this family and yet another example for America of why we desperately need change in policing," they said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brooklyn-protests-after-daunte-wrights-brutal-killing-377607">Brooklyn protests after Daunte Wright's brutal killing</a>

At a press conference, Wright's mother, Katie Wright, said she felt "every emotion you can imagine" as the verdict was read. Outside the court, supporters danced and played music after the verdict was announced.

Potter had pleaded not guilty and said the shooting was an accident, claiming that she had grabbed her firearm instead of her Taser stun gun.

During her emotional testimony, she described how a traffic stop that was supposed to be routine turned into "chaotic."

"I remember yelling 'Taser Taser Taser.' And nothing happens, then he told me I shot him," Potter said, bursting into tears.

The moments following were largely blank, she said.&nbsp;

"They have an ambulance for me and I don't know why. And then I went, then I was at the station. I don't remember a lot of things afterwards," she said.&nbsp;

Following Wright's death, protests and unrest erupted in Brooklyn Center for several nights before Potter's arrest quelled tensions.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Thursday, a former United States police officer was found guilty of manslaughter for fatally shooting a young African-American during a traffic stop, claiming that she mistook her weapon for a Taser.

On Thursday, a former United States police officer was found guilty of manslaughter for fatally shooting a young African-American during a traffic stop, claiming that she mistook her weapon for a Taser. Kim Potter, 49, was found guilty of first-degree and second-degree manslaughter for killing 20-year-old Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, earlier this year in April. Also read | Daunte Wright trial: Prosecutor says cop 'betrayed her badge', defence blames the slain victim It took place during the trial of white policeman Derek Chauvin, who kneeled on the neck of Black man George Floyd for around nine minutes in May 2020, asphyxiating him. Nationwide protests against police brutality and racism were sparked by Floyd's death. Potter is now facing up to 15 years in prison on the first charge and 10 years on the second charge, and her sentencing is expected to take place in February. While the judge read out the guilty verdicts in court, she looked down and closed her eyes briefly, but otherwise did not react. Also read | US police officer testifies at manslaughter trial for killing Daunte Wright "Her remorse and her regret for the incident is overwhelming. She's not a danger to the public at all," Paul Engh, Potter's lawyer, said as he asked Chu to release her on bail pending sentencing. Potter, however, will remain in jail until her sentence is handed down. In a statement, Wright's family expressed relief that "some measure of accountability" had been established for "the senseless death of their son, brother, father, and friend." "From the unnecessary and overreaching tragic traffic stop to the shooting that took his life, that day will remain a traumatic one for this family and yet another example for America of why we desperately need change in policing," they said. Also read | Brooklyn protests after Daunte Wright's brutal killing At a press conference, Wright's mother, Katie Wright, said she felt "every emotion you can imagine" as the verdict was read. Outside the court, supporters danced and played music after the verdict was announced. Potter had pleaded not guilty and said the shooting was an accident, claiming that she had grabbed her firearm instead of her Taser stun gun. During her emotional testimony, she described how a traffic stop that was supposed to be routine turned into "chaotic." "I remember yelling 'Taser Taser Taser.' And nothing happens, then he told me I shot him," Potter said, bursting into tears. The moments following were largely blank, she said. "They have an ambulance for me and I don't know why. And then I went, then I was at the station. I don't remember a lot of things afterwards," she said. Following Wright's death, protests and unrest erupted in Brooklyn Center for several nights before Potter's arrest quelled tensions. (With inputs from agencies)

Daunte Wright trial: White cop found guilty on manslaughter charges

A former US police officer Kim Potter has been found guilty of manslaughter in killing of a young African-American man Daunte Wright. Potter said she mistook her gun for her taser during a routine traffic stop.

US: Former police officer Kim Potter found guilty of murdering African-American man

Former US police officer found guilty of manslaughter

The trial of a former US police officer who "accidentally" killed an African-American man during a routine traffic stop, took place on Wednesday.

Prosecutors charged that the white former police officer acted inconsistently with years of training by mistakenly using her pistol instead of her Taser, while the defence&nbsp;sought to blame the slain man for resisting arrest in a routine traffic stop.

Kim Potter, 49, is facing manslaughter charges for the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, this April.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brooklyn-protests-after-daunte-wrights-brutal-killing-377607">Brooklyn protests after Daunte Wright's brutal killing</a>

In her plea, Potter pleaded not guilty to charges of first- and second-degree manslaughter, which carry maximum sentences of 15 years and 10 years, respectively.&nbsp;

The former officer says that she mistakenly grabbed her gun instead of her Taser, an action that led to the death of the black man.&nbsp;

Wright, 20 was stopped by Potter and two of her colleagues because his car's registration was out of date.&nbsp;

They then came to know that Wright was already wanted for carrying a gun without a permit and had an arrest warrant out for him. Wright, who was unarmed, tried to flee as officers attempted to hold him on the outstanding warrant.

To stop him, Potter said she intended to draw her Taser, which is designed to stop a person with a strong electric shock. She shouted "Taser" as she fired, body camera footage shows.

Wright drove off, but soon came to a stop. Emergency workers ruled him dead at the scene from a gunshot wound.

Following the shooting, Potter resigned from the police department. She maintains that she had accidentally taken her gun out of its holster, instead of drawing her Taser which was on the other side.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/calls-for-us-police-reform-at-fresh-protest-over-daunte-wright-killing-378486">Calls for US police reform at fresh protest over Daunte Wright killing</a>

Potter's attorney, Paul Engh, called the shooting an accident and a mistake. In Engh's opinion, Wright created a volatile situation when he attempted to flee, adding that Potter had a duty to stop Wright.

"She made a mistake. This was an accident. She's a human being," said her attorney, Paul Engh.&nbsp;

"A surgeon perhaps after 1,000 surgeries might make a mistake, which can happen or diagnosis may be missed in the time of stress," Engh said.

"That's simply not the case," local prosecutor Erin Eldridge countered, rejecting Potter's defence.

"This case is about... the reckless handling of a firearm, and it's about the disregard of known risks," said Eldridge. &nbsp;

"It's about an officer who knew she could kill someone if she got it wrong, but she failed to make sure she got it right."

Watch |&nbsp;Daunte Wright Shooting: Protests continue in Minneapolis for second night

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/daunte-wright-shooting-protests-continue-in-minneapolis-for-second-night-377201/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The incident occurred just over 10 months after police killed another Black man in Minneapolis, George Floyd.

In response to Floyd's death, protests and riots broke out across the nation over racial abuse in law enforcement.

The death of Wright reignited tensions and led to new demonstrations in the northern city. These demonstrations calmed after Potter's arrest and after Floyd's convicted killer, Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22 years in prison.

(With inputs from agencies)

The trial of a former US police officer who "accidentally" killed an African-American man during a routine traffic stop, took place on Wednesday. Prosecutors charged that the white former police officer acted inconsistently with years of training by mistakenly using her pistol instead of her Taser, while the defence sought to blame the slain man for resisting arrest in a routine traffic stop.

The trial of a former US police officer who "accidentally" killed an African-American man during a routine traffic stop, took place on Wednesday. Prosecutors charged that the white former police officer acted inconsistently with years of training by mistakenly using her pistol instead of her Taser, while the defence sought to blame the slain man for resisting arrest in a routine traffic stop. Kim Potter, 49, is facing manslaughter charges for the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, this April. Also read | Brooklyn protests after Daunte Wright's brutal killing In her plea, Potter pleaded not guilty to charges of first- and second-degree manslaughter, which carry maximum sentences of 15 years and 10 years, respectively. The former officer says that she mistakenly grabbed her gun instead of her Taser, an action that led to the death of the black man. Wright, 20 was stopped by Potter and two of her colleagues because his car's registration was out of date. They then came to know that Wright was already wanted for carrying a gun without a permit and had an arrest warrant out for him. Wright, who was unarmed, tried to flee as officers attempted to hold him on the outstanding warrant. To stop him, Potter said she intended to draw her Taser, which is designed to stop a person with a strong electric shock. She shouted "Taser" as she fired, body camera footage shows. Wright drove off, but soon came to a stop. Emergency workers ruled him dead at the scene from a gunshot wound. Following the shooting, Potter resigned from the police department. She maintains that she had accidentally taken her gun out of its holster, instead of drawing her Taser which was on the other side. Also read | Calls for US police reform at fresh protest over Daunte Wright killing Potter's attorney, Paul Engh, called the shooting an accident and a mistake. In Engh's opinion, Wright created a volatile situation when he attempted to flee, adding that Potter had a duty to stop Wright. "She made a mistake. This was an accident. She's a human being," said her attorney, Paul Engh. "A surgeon perhaps after 1,000 surgeries might make a mistake, which can happen or diagnosis may be missed in the time of stress," Engh said. "That's simply not the case," local prosecutor Erin Eldridge countered, rejecting Potter's defence. "This case is about... the reckless handling of a firearm, and it's about the disregard of known risks," said Eldridge. "It's about an officer who knew she could kill someone if she got it wrong, but she failed to make sure she got it right." Watch | Daunte Wright Shooting: Protests continue in Minneapolis for second night The incident occurred just over 10 months after police killed another Black man in Minneapolis, George Floyd. In response to Floyd's death, protests and riots broke out across the nation over racial abuse in law enforcement. The death of Wright reignited tensions and led to new demonstrations in the northern city. These demonstrations calmed after Potter's arrest and after Floyd's convicted killer, Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22 years in prison. (With inputs from agencies)

Daunte Wright trial: Prosecutor says cop 'betrayed her badge', defence blames the slain victim

Former city Police Chief Jim Gannon, who also resigned on Tuesday, has said police video shows Potter apparently drew her hand gun instead of her Taser by mistake when she opened fire on Wright

Daunte Wright protests: Cop who shot Black man arrested, charged with manslaughter

The police officer who shot dead Black 20-year-old Daunte Wright in a Minneapolis suburb after appearing to mistake her gun for&nbsp;a taser was arrested Wednesday on&nbsp;manslaughter&nbsp;charges and will appear in court on Thursday.

Minneapolis has been roiled by nightly violent protests after Kim Potter, who is white, opened fire on Wright in his car on Sunday.

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Racial tensions were already high in the Midwestern US city as it hosts the trial of the white policeman charged with murdering George Floyd, whose death touched off a national reckoning over racial injustice.

Potter, a 26-year police veteran who resigned after Wright's death, faces a maximum of 10 years in jail if convicted of second-degree&nbsp;manslaughter.

"While we appreciate that the district attorney is pursuing justice for Daunte, no conviction can give the Wright family their loved one back," said the Wrights' family lawyer Ben Crump after the arrest.

"This was no accident. This was an intentional, deliberate, and unlawful use of force."

"We will keep fighting for justice for Daunte, for his family, and for all marginalized people of color."

Protesters faced off with police for a fourth night of violent clashes on Wednesday evening.

Riot police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators outside the fortified police station in Brooklyn Center, the suburb where Sunday's shooting took place.

About nine miles&nbsp;away, the judge presiding over the trial of Derek Chauvin denied a defense motion earlier Wednesday to acquit him of murder and&nbsp;manslaughter&nbsp;charges for the death of Floyd.

Chauvin, who is white, was seen in a video taken by a bystander kneeling on Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes as the handcuffed 46-year-old complained repeatedly that he "can't breathe."

Defence attorney Eric Nelson said prosecutors had failed to prove their case against the 45-year-old Chauvin beyond a reasonable doubt and he should be acquitted.

The video of Floyd's May 25, 2020 arrest sparked protests against racial injustice and police brutality in the United States and around the world.

A forensic pathologist called by the defence on Wednesday said Floyd died from cardiac arrest brought on by heart disease, illegal drug use and other factors.

The testimony of David Fowler contradicted that of several medical experts put on the witness stand by the prosecution who said Floyd died of lack of oxygen while being held facedown on the ground.

On Tuesday the families of Wright and Floyd demanded an end to police brutality and the killing of unarmed African Americans by white officers.

"The world is traumatised watching another African American man being slain," Floyd's brother Philonise Floyd said, as he stood with Wright's relatives outside the trial courthouse.

(With inputs from agencies)

The police officer who shot dead Black 20-year-old Daunte Wright in a Minneapolis suburb after appearing to mistake her gun for a taser was arrested Wednesday on manslaughter charges and will appear in court on Thursday.

The police officer who shot dead Black 20-year-old Daunte Wright in a Minneapolis suburb after appearing to mistake her gun for a taser was arrested Wednesday on manslaughter charges and will appear in court on Thursday. Minneapolis has been roiled by nightly violent protests after Kim Potter, who is white, opened fire on Wright in his car on Sunday. Racial tensions were already high in the Midwestern US city as it hosts the trial of the white policeman charged with murdering George Floyd, whose death touched off a national reckoning over racial injustice. Potter, a 26-year police veteran who resigned after Wright's death, faces a maximum of 10 years in jail if convicted of second-degree manslaughter. "While we appreciate that the district attorney is pursuing justice for Daunte, no conviction can give the Wright family their loved one back," said the Wrights' family lawyer Ben Crump after the arrest. "This was no accident. This was an intentional, deliberate, and unlawful use of force." "We will keep fighting for justice for Daunte, for his family, and for all marginalized people of color." Protesters faced off with police for a fourth night of violent clashes on Wednesday evening. Riot police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators outside the fortified police station in Brooklyn Center, the suburb where Sunday's shooting took place. About nine miles away, the judge presiding over the trial of Derek Chauvin denied a defense motion earlier Wednesday to acquit him of murder and manslaughter charges for the death of Floyd. Chauvin, who is white, was seen in a video taken by a bystander kneeling on Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes as the handcuffed 46-year-old complained repeatedly that he "can't breathe." Defence attorney Eric Nelson said prosecutors had failed to prove their case against the 45-year-old Chauvin beyond a reasonable doubt and he should be acquitted. The video of Floyd's May 25, 2020 arrest sparked protests against racial injustice and police brutality in the United States and around the world. A forensic pathologist called by the defence on Wednesday said Floyd died from cardiac arrest brought on by heart disease, illegal drug use and other factors. The testimony of David Fowler contradicted that of several medical experts put on the witness stand by the prosecution who said Floyd died of lack of oxygen while being held facedown on the ground. On Tuesday the families of Wright and Floyd demanded an end to police brutality and the killing of unarmed African Americans by white officers. "The world is traumatised watching another African American man being slain," Floyd's brother Philonise Floyd said, as he stood with Wright's relatives outside the trial courthouse. (With inputs from agencies)

Officer who shot Black man near Minneapolis to appear in court today

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