President Biden on Monday called for “peace and calm” in the wake of Daunte Wright’s fateful meeting with Minnesota police, saying his death did not justify violence or looting.
The president also said he was awaiting a full investigation into the matter before considering the officer’s intent. He also noted that he had seen the footage of Wright’s traffic stop.
‘We talked to the governor and the mayor, talked to the authorities there and I did not call Daunte Wright’s family, but there are prayers with their family. It’s really a tragic thing that happened, but I think we should wait to see what the investigation shows – the whole investigation. You guys have all watched, I suppose – as have the movie, which is really the body comb, which is pretty graphic. The question is – was it an accident? Was it intentional? It has yet to be determined by a full investigation, ‘Biden told reporters.
The president said he was informed of the situation and proceeded to plead against looting and violence after Wright’s death.
‘But in the meantime, I want to make it clear again, there is absolutely no justification for looting. No justification for violence. Peaceful protest – understandable. And the fact is that we know that the anger, pain and trauma that exists in the black community in that area is real. It’s serious and it’s consequent. But it will not justify violence and / or looting, ”Biden said.
In the meantime, I ask for peace and calm. “We must listen to Daunte’s mother, who calls for peace and calm,” the president added.
Asked if the federal government should rise in federal resources to keep the peace, Biden said there are already federal resources on the ground, including those already in place in preparation for the ongoing Derek 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.
Asked if he thinks the situation is on the edge of a razor, Biden said: ‘I’m not going to speculate now. I am hopeful that there will be a verdict and a result that is supported by the vast majority of people in the region, and that is my expectation. ‘