Jury deliberations began Monday afternoon in the trial of Kim Potter, an ex-Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, police officer who fatally shot 20-year-old Daunte Wright during a traffic stop on April 11, 2021. Closing arguments by the defense and prosecution made clear that the case wasn’t about whether Potter deliberately chose to shoot Wright, who was pulled over for expired license plate tabs and having an air freshener on his rearview mirror. The issue at hand is whether her accidental killing of Wright constitutes a criminal offense. Potter was charged with one count of first-degree manslaughter and one count of second-degree manslaughter, both felonies. The first charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $30,000, while the second charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years and a fine up to $20,000. Potter, who took the stand on Friday, has pleaded not guilty to both counts. During her testimony, Potter repeatedly stated that things “went chaotic” and was frequently emotional over the course of her time taking the stand. According to a pool reporter, the jury appeared not to be moved by her emotional display. Erin Eldridge was the first lawyer to present her closing arguments on behalf of the state. She argued that regardless of Potter’s remorse and whether or not she was a “nice” person, her actions endangered four people and ultimately resulted in Wright’s death. Read more