Opening statements to begin this week in Kim Potter trial

Photo by: Hennepin County Jail
Photo by: Hennepin County Jail

(Minneapolis, MN) -- Opening statements are expected this week in the Kim Potter trial.  

Potter is charged with first and second-degree manslaughter in the death of Black motorist Daunte Wright during a traffic stop. Opening statements are set to begin Wednesday. The former Brooklyn Center police officer has said she mistakenly drew her handgun when she shot Wright to death, but intended to use her taser.  

In the meantime, a man is facing charges in connection with harassment of the judge in the trial. Cortez Rice is charged with one count of harassment involving retaliation against a judicial officer.  

Reports say Rice and others were protesting on November 8th for Judge Chu to allow cameras and audio devices in the courtroom at the Potter trial. He also visited outside Chu's apartment around that time and one of the demonstrators said they would be back. Rice also threatened the he'd "hate to see you get kicked out of your apartment."