Monday afternoon’s game between the Minnesota Twins and the Boston Red Sox was postponed due to ‘safety reasons’ following the police shooting at Daunte Wright on Sunday night.
“Out of respect for the tragic events that took place in Brooklyn Center yesterday, and following the additional details in this evolving situation, the Minnesota Twins decided that it is in the best interests of our fans, staff, players and community not to to play today’s match. “the twins said in a statement.
The decision to postpone the game was taken by the Twins after consulting Major League Baseball, in addition to local and state officials.
Wright, a 20-year-old black man, died Sunday after a police officer shot him during a stopover in downtown Brooklyn downtown. The Brooklyn Downtown police chief said the shooting was accidental as the officer in question intended to fire a shotgun and not a handgun during a fight with Wright. Police tried to arrest him on the basis of an outstanding warrant.
Tensions were already high in the city due to the ongoing trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer charged with the murder of George Floyd.
Demonstrations against Wright’s shooting are planned in the Minneapolis area, where Target Field, the twins’ home, is located. Before the postponement was announced, both teams took to the field to warm up, with the national anthem already being played.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.