Former Minnesota police officer Kim Potter made headlines this year after she was involved in the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright, and is now facing possible prison time for his death.
The person who tasked to be the prosecutor in the case against Potter, however, is stepping down, citing “partisan politics,” the Washington Examiner reported.
“Last several weeks have been difficult”
Imran Ali had been serving as assistant criminal division chief for the Washington County Attorney’s Office. On Monday, he submitted his resignation letter, a picture of which was tweeted out by local KARE 11 journalist Lou Raguse.
“The last several weeks have been difficult for my family,” Ali wrote in the letter addressed to County Attorney Pete Orput. “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 peace, and no justice,” he added.
Orput told KARE 11 that he was saddened by Ali’s decision, saying, “I’m losing my best prosecutor and one of my dearest friends.”
Ali’s departure comes in the wake of a protest last month outside of Orput’s home over the fact that Potter has been charged with manslaughter rather than murder, the Examiner reported.
Keith Ellison takes over
Minnesota’s controversial attorney general, Keith Ellison, has announced that his office will take over Potter’s prosecution.
“Daunte Wright was a son, a brother, a father, a friend. When he died, he was only 20 years old. He had his whole life ahead of him,” Ellison’s statement read.
“Daunte Wright’s death was a tragedy,” Ellison went on. “He should not have died on the day that he did. He should not have died the way that he did.”
“I promise the Wright family and all Minnesotans that I will handle this prosecution responsibly and consistent with the law, and that I will be guided by the values of accountability and transparency,” he added.
Body cam footage of the incident appeared to show Potter confusing her sidearm with a taser just prior to shooting Wright, who had a warrant out for his arrest, as he struggled with one of her colleagues.
The post ‘Partisan politics has made my job difficult’: Prosecutor in Kim Potter case steps down first appeared on Conservative Institute.
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