President Biden on Monday called for “peace and tranquility” in the wake of Daunte Wright’s fatal meeting with police in Minnesota, saying his death does not justify violence or looting.
The president also said he is waiting for a full investigation into the matter before going into the officer’s intentions. He also noted that he has seen the camera footage of Wright’s traffic stop.
“We’ve talked to the governor and the mayor, talked to the authorities there, and I haven’t called Daunte Wright’s family, but they pray with their family. It’s a really tragic thing that happened, but I think we have to wait and see what the investigation shows – the whole investigation. You all watched, I suppose – like I did, the movie, which is basically the bodycam, 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 told reporters.
The president said he had been briefed on the situation and that he continued to push 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 exist in the black community in that environment is real. It’s serious and it’s consistent. But it will not justify violence and / or looting, ”said Biden.
“Meanwhile, I call for peace and tranquility. And we must listen to Daunte’s mother, who calls for peace and tranquility, ”added the president.
When asked if the federal government should deploy more federal resources to keep the peace, Biden said federal resources were already on the ground, including those already in place in preparation for the ongoing Derek 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.
When asked if he thinks the situation is on the cutting edge, Biden said, “I’m not going to speculate right now. I hope there will be a verdict and an outcome that will be supported by the vast majority of people in the region and that is my expectation. “