Games for the Minnesota Twins, Wild and Timberwolves were all postponed Monday after the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, on Sunday.
The Twins were the first team to make the announcement, postponing Monday afternoon’s matchup with the Boston Red Sox. First pitch was scheduled for 2:10 p.m. ET, and while both teams had warmed up and the national anthem had been played, the decision to postpone the game soon followed.
In a statement, the Twins announced the move was made “out of respect for the tragic events” that occurred Sunday in Brooklyn Center, which is about 10 miles from Target Field in Minneapolis.
The Timberwolves and Wild soon followed suit, with the NBA and NHL announcing postponements Monday afternoon.
In a statement, the Twins announced the move was made “out of respect for the tragic events” that occurred Sunday in Brooklyn Center, which is about 10 miles from Target Field in Minneapolis.
Police shot Wright, an unarmed 20-year-old Black man, on Sunday during a traffic stop. According to the Star Tribune, Brooklyn Center Police Chief Tim Gannon said Monday that the officer who shot Wright did so by accident, deploying her gun rather than her Taser.
Gannon said the shooting was an “accidental discharge.”
The shooting sparked protests in the Minneapolis suburb, which is just miles from where George Floyd was killed during an arrest last May. The trial for Derek Chauvin — the officer who has been charged with murdering Floyd — is still ongoing.
“Out of respect for the tragic events that occurred yesterday in Brooklyn Center, and following the additional details in this evolving situation, the Minnesota Twins have decided it is in the best interests of our fans, staff, players and community to not play today’s game,” the team’s statement read.
“The decision was made by the Minnesota Twins after consultation with Major League Baseball, and local and state officials. Information regarding the rescheduling of today’s game, and corresponding ticket details, will be released in the near future.
“The Minnesota Twins organization extends its sympathies to the family of Daunte Wright.”
• Andy Kostka can be reached at akostka@washingtontimes.com.
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