President Biden Calls Daunte Wright Shooting 'Tragic', But Says There's 'No Justification' For Looting, Violence
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- President Joe Biden is calling the police shooting of Daunte Wright "tragic," but is saying there is no justification for violent unrest.
Biden spoke on the incident at the White House Monday afternoon.
"I haven't called Daunte Wright's family, but our prayers are with their family. It was a tragic thing that happened," Biden said.
Biden says that the question now is if the shooting was an accident or intentional, which he says has yet to be determined by the investigation. Brooklyn Park Police Chief Tim Gannon said Monday that he believes the officer meant to use a Taser, not a handgun, when they shot and killed Wright.
"But in the meantime, I want to make it clear again: There is absolutely no justification, none, for looting. No justification for violence. Peaceful protests? Understandable," Biden said.
Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott said Biden offered support following the deadly police shooting of a 20-year-old Black man during a traffic stop.
On Monday, Elliott shared a picture on Twitter, saying that he spoke with the White House on the phone and appreciates Biden reaching out to offer his administration's support.
In a press conference Monday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki reportedly said that the Biden administration is "saddened to hear about the loss of life at the hands of law enforcement in Minnesota yesterday."
RELATED: National Guard Activated After Night Of Looting, Protests In Brooklyn Center
The Minnesota National Guard has been activated a day after Wright was pulled over for a traffic violation and was later shot after he attempted to drive off, according to police. Wright was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say the officers involved were believed to be wearing activated body cameras at the time of the shooting.
The incident, which occurred just miles from where George Floyd died, resulted in clashes between protesters and police. Looting and unrest also spilled into Minneapolis. A curfew of 7 p.m. Monday has been announced for Hennepin, Ramsey and Anoka counties in response to the unrest that erupted.