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A Hennepin County judge on Tuesday agreed to let media record, broadcast and livestream the high-profile trial of Kimberly Potter, the ex-Brooklyn Center police officer charged in the 

Judge Regina Chu acknowledged recent protests at her home, but said the decision to allow courtroom cameras was made earlier and was “based solely on concerns for public health and safety given the ongoing pandemic.”

 to deny audio and video coverage of the upcoming trial. 

In reversing herself Tuesday, she cited the huge public interest in the case, and a “risk of crowds gathering at the (Family Justice Center), exposing staff and those who might seek to attend the trial to the risk of infection.”

Wright, 20, was killed in April during a traffic stop. As officers struggled to take him into custody, Potter drew her handgun and shouted “Taser” several times before shooting Wright. 

The Brooklyn Center chief said later that Potter had 

meant to grab her Taser but instead pulled her service weapon 

before firing. She faces first-degree and second-degree manslaughter charges.

Officer who shot Wright to face 2nd-degree manslaughter charge

MN attorney general takes over ex-cop's prosecution

Media groups, including MPR News, had urged Chu to allow audio and video broadcasting similar to the spring trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was convicted of murdering George Floyd. They argued COVID-19 remained a threat to public safety and that requiring media to attend in person to cover the trial would pose a risk. 

Potter’s attorney Earl Gray said he had not read the order and declined comment. 

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, whose office is prosecuting the case, applauded the decision.

"It is important for both public buy-in and public health during the ongoing pandemic. I also strongly agree with the judge about the importance to our democracy of safeguarding an independent and impartial judiciary,” Ellison said in a statement.

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The killing of Daunte Wright

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Citing the ongoing pandemic, the judge in the Kimberly Potter case will let media record, broadcast and livestream the high profile late November trial. Potter is charged in Wright’s killing during a Brooklyn Center traffic stop.

Retired Hennepin County Chief Judge Kevin Burke on cameras in the courtroom

a courtroom sketch of Kim Potter appearing in court

Daunte Wright killing: Judge OKs livestreaming ex-cop's trial

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