Wright, a 20-year-old Black man, was fatally shot by police Sunday afternoon during a stop in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Center.
The president said he had been briefed on the situation and was awaiting a full investigation into the matter before considering the official’s intent. He added that he had seen the footage of Wright’s traffic stop.
“It’s really a tragic thing that happened, but I think we should wait to see what the investigation shows – the whole investigation. You all watched, I suppose – as I did the film, which really the body comb, which is quite graphic. The question is – was it an accident? Was it intentional? It has yet to be determined by a full investigation. “
Biden said he spoke to Minnesota authorities about the incident, as well as Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz and Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott. The president said he did not call Wright’s family.
The president called for looting and violence after Wright’s death.
“But in the meantime, I want to make it clear again. There is absolutely no justification – no – for looting. No justification for violence. Peaceful protest – understandable. And the fact is, you know, we know that anger, “The pain and trauma that exists in the Black community in that area is real. It is serious and it is consequent. But it will not justify violence and / or looting,” Biden said.
“Meanwhile, I ask for peace and calm. And we need to listen to Daunte’s mother, who is calling for peace and calm,” the president added.
According to an officer who appeared on camera, Wright got out of his car but then got back in. It’s not clear, but Brooklyn Center Police Chief Tim Gannon told reporters it appears from the video that Wright is trying to leave the scene. . Gannon also said the video showed an officer shouting “Taser!” Shouted. but rather shot her gun.
The deadly encounter in the suburb of Minneapolis took place about ten miles from where Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, is on trial for the murder of another black man, George Floyd.
When asked if the federal government should increase federal resources to the Brooklyn Center to keep the peace, Biden said that there are already federal resources in place, including resources there in preparation for the ongoing Chauvin trial.
“There will not be a lack of help and support from the federal government if local authorities believe it is necessary,” he said.
‘Based on close, respectful consultation with partners in the civil rights community, the administration has expressed the view that a police commission at this stage would not be the most effective way to achieve our highest priority in this area, it is to George Floyd Justice in Policing Act signed into law, “Susan Rice, director of domestic policy, 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.