The former lead prosecutor assigned to the case of ex-Brooklyn Center Police officer Kimberly Potter has resigned, citing partisan politics and casting doubt on whether justice can be effectively pursued in today’s political climate.
Prosecuting attorney Imran Ali wrote the following in resignation letter:
I leave my position knowing that I have served with honor, dignity, and equality in the pursuit of justice. The last several weeks have been difficult for me and my family. The vitriol from some and the infusion of partisan politics by many has made my job difficult to pursue justice. I pray that our state heals and the extreme partisan platforms dissipate. We must return to thoughtful discourse that unites, not impulsive, irrational talking points that divide. Until then, there will be no justice or peace.
Ali’s resignation is effective June 17.
Potter is charged with second-degree manslaughter in the death of Daunte Wright.
Body camera footage shows Wright fleeing a traffic stop, and Potter attempting to stop him. During the exchange, Potter shoots Wright. Immediately, she seems surprised by the shooting. She claims that she was attempting to deploy her taser against Wright.
The incident happened on the same day as the guilty verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin, who was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of George Floyd.
Activists have been pushing for a murder charge to be added to the criminal complaint against Wright. The crime of murder generally requires intent to kill.
Washington County Attorney Pete Orput, who filed the charges against Potter, accepted Ali’s resignation. Orput’s home was subject to a Black Lives Matter protest after the charges were filed. The group believes that Orput undercharged Potter.
“It is with a heavy heart the office has accepted a resignation from Imran Ali. I would like to express my appreciation for all the work Imran Ali has done in both Washington County and throughout the state on behalf of the public and in particular the most vulnerable individuals in our community,” Orput said.
The reference to “partisan politics” in Ali’s resignation letter is vague, but Friday, Minnesota Attorney General Kieth Ellison announced that his office would be taking over Potter’s prosecution.
Ellison, a former Congressman, has expressed his affinity for the Nation of Islam, a black separatist movement led by Louis Farrakhan.
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Pete D’Abrosca is a contributor at The Minnesota Sun and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
