
On April 11, 2021, former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter fatally shot 20‑year‑old Daunte Wright during a traffic stop. The tragedy sparked a nationwide outcry that led to a GoFundMe campaign titled “Daunte Wright Sr. Memorial Fund,” which attracted 28,944 donors and raised ₹1,039,207.
Kelly Bryant, Wright’s aunt, listed as organizer, set a $1.1 million goal; the page promised the money would cover funeral costs, mental‑health counseling, and a broader pursuit of justice, with a note that the proceeds would be transferred to an account controlled by Wright’s parents.
On October 3, 2022, Chyna Whitaker brought a civil suit in Minneapolis, asserting that she had been assured that 50 % of the fundraiser—about ₹519,495—would go to her infant son, Daunte Wright Jr. The complaint names the parents and civil rights lawyer Ben Crump as defendants, alleging breach of contract and fraud.
Separately, the City of Brooklyn Center agreed in 2022 to a $3.25 million settlement with the Wright family, a figure that does not stem from the public fundraiser but will see Daunte Jr. receive a portion exceeding $2 million under court‑approved distribution.
The court’s forthcoming ruling will clarify whether the GoFundMe’s public pledge obligates the parents to allocate the promised share, a decision that could set precedent for similar charitable campaigns after tragedies.