Wright, a 20-year-old black man, was shot dead by police on Sunday afternoon during a traffic stop in the suburb of Brooklyn Center in Minneapolis.
The president said he has been briefed on the situation and is awaiting a full investigation into the matter before addressing the officer’s intentions. He added that he has seen the camera footage of Wright’s traffic stop.
“It’s a really tragic thing that happened, but I think we have to wait and see what the research shows – the whole research. You all watched, I suppose – like I did, the movie, and that’s really the body cam, which is quite graphic. The question is – was it an accident? Was it intentional? That has yet to be determined by a full investigation. “
Biden said he has spoken with Minnesota authorities about the incident, as well as the Minnesota Democratic government Tim Walz and Brooklyn Center mayor Mike Elliott. The president said he did not call Wright’s family.
The president pushed for looting and violence after Wright’s death.
But in the meantime, I want to make it clear again, there is absolutely no justification – none – for looting. No justification for violence. Peaceful protest – understandable. And the fact is, you know, we know that the anger, pain and trauma that exists in the black community in that environment is real. It is serious and has consequences. But it will not justify violence and / or looting, “Biden said.
In the meantime, I call for peace and tranquility. And we must listen to Daunte’s mother calling for peace and tranquility, ”the president added.
CCTV footage of an officer released on Monday indicated that Wright got out of his car, but then got back in. It’s not clear why, but Brooklyn Center Police Chief Tim Gannon told reporters the video revealed Wright was trying to leave the scene. . Gannon also said the video appeared to show an officer “Taser!” but fired her gun instead.
The deadly meeting in the Minneapolis suburb took place about 10 miles from where former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is on trial for the murder of another black man, George Floyd.
When asked whether the federal government should pull federal funds into Brooklyn Center to keep the peace, Biden said federal funds were already in place, including funds there in preparation for the ongoing Chauvin trial.
“There will be no lack of help and support from the federal government if the local authorities think it is necessary,” he said.
“Based on close, respectful consultation with partners in the civil rights community, the administration came to the informed judgment that a police commission would not be the most effective way to deliver on our top priority in this area at this point: sign the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act into law, ”Susan Rice, director of the Domestic Policy Council said in a statement.
This story has been updated with additional information.
CNN’s Betsy Klein, Adrienne Broaddus, Holly Yan, Keith Allen and Hollie Silverman contributed to this report.