“It is my belief that the officer had the intention to deploy their Taser but instead shot Mr. Wright with a single bullet,” Gannon said (via NPR). “This appears to me, from what I’ve viewed and the officer’s reaction and distress immediately after, that this was an accidental discharge that resulted in the tragic death of Mr. Wright.” Former President Barack Obama called the killing “another senseless tragedy.” In a statement released on Tuesday, the A Promised Land author said, “Michelle and I grieve alongside the Wright family for their loss. We empathize with the pain that Black mothers, fathers, and children are feeling after yet another senseless tragedy. And we will continue to work with all fair-minded Americans to confront historical inequities and bring about nationwide changes that are so long overdue.” Beyoncé paid tribute to Wright on her website, sharing a photo of him along with a message that read: “REST IN PEACE DAUNTE WRIGHT.” Meanwhile, Oscar winner Regina King tweeted that she will “never get used to this.” “Here we are saying prayers for ANOTHER family because ANOTHER reckless officer exposed themself at the expense of ANOTHER Black human being. I’m so sorry Daunte Wright,” she tweeted in part. “You are so much more than…ANOTHER. I will NEVER get used to this.” Kerry Washington asked her Twitter followers to continue to say Wright’s name. In a previous tweet the Scandal actress wrote that Wright “should still be alive.” She added, “My heart goes out to his family, his friends. And to all Black people who are tired of waking up to tragedy after tragedy.” See what celebrities are saying about Daunte Wright’s tragic death: Wondering how you can help fight racism? Read these 40 ways women can be anti-racist.
