US Police Shoot Black Man Dead Instead of Using Taser... Tensions Rise

Police Officer Who Caused Death of Black George Floyd Shoots Black Man Nearby During Trial
Police: "Used Gun Instead of Taser"
Warning Against Looting and Destructive Violent Protests
National Guard Deployed After Intense Protests
Tensions Rise Amid Fears of Unrest Spreading
President Biden Briefed...Talks with Mayor

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Tensions are rising in American society following the death of another Black man due to police gunfire in Minnesota, where last year George Floyd, a Black man, died from asphyxiation at the hands of a white officer. Intense protests erupted overnight, and the National Guard was deployed as authorities explained that the police fired a gun instead of using a taser.

According to CNN and other outlets on the 12th (local time), police authorities stated that 20-year-old Black youth Dont Wright died from police gunfire at an intersection in Brooklyn Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, the day before. Authorities said, "The officer intended to use a taser but fired a gun instead." They also released bodycam footage from the scene.

The footage shows two officers approaching Wright's car, followed by a female officer who approaches the vehicle while repeatedly shouting "Taser, taser," threatening to shoot. The female officer then says, "Damn it, I shot him."

An official also emphasized, "We will not tolerate any form of looting or destruction related to this incident."

After news of Wright's death spread, protesters gathered in front of a nearby police station and held intense demonstrations, during which the National Guard was dispatched.

On the afternoon of the 11th, Wright was driving near Brooklyn Center when he was stopped by police. He got out of the car but did not comply with police orders and got back in the vehicle. He was shot during this process, drove several blocks while fleeing, collided with another vehicle, and died at the scene.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Dont's mother, who arrived at the scene, told CNN, "When the police stopped the car, my son called me to explain the situation," adding, "I had given him the car two weeks ago, and he was driving with his girlfriend at the time."

She later heard the police say, "Hang up the phone and get out of the car," and when her son asked why, she heard the police say over the phone, "I'll explain if you come out."

Dont's mother said, "I heard the sound of the phone being put down, and then I heard the police say, 'Don't run away.'"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

CNN reported that the Minnesota National Guard has been deployed in Brooklyn Center and is on alert.

Regarding the incident, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki called it "a very sad event" and said President Joe Biden has been briefed. Mike Elliott, Mayor of Brooklyn Center, said he spoke with President Biden about the incident.

According to the White House press corps, President Biden is expected to make a statement on the incident following a semiconductor-related CEO meeting held that day.