The Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Wild postponed their respective games Monday after the police shooting of Daunte Wright Sunday night.
“Out of respect for the tragic events that occurred yesterday at the Brooklyn Center, and following the additional details in this evolving situation, the Twins have decided that the best thing for our fans, staff, players and community is not to play the game today. (Monday), “Minnesota said in a statement.
– Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 12, 2021
The Twins were scheduled to play against the Boston Red Sox. The Timberwolves were scheduled to play against the Brooklyn Nets. The Wild was about to play the St. Louis Blues.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz enacted the curfew in three counties around Minneapolis Monday. The curfew extends from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The mayor, Jacob Frey, and law enforcement officials also announced a state of emergency.
“Yesterday’s (Sunday) tragic event, which involved Daunte Wright’s life, once again leaves our community in mourning,” the Timberwolves said in a statement. “After consulting with the League and local and state officials, we believe postponing tonight’s game against the Brooklyn Nets is the best decision … The Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx express our sincerest condolences to the Daunte family Wright.
No rescheduling date announced.
The decision to postpone the game between the Twins and the Red Sox was made by the Twins after consulting with MLB, in addition to local and state officials.
Wright, a 20-year-old African-American man, died Sunday after a police officer shot him in the Brooklyn Center suburb during a traffic stop. The Brooklyn Center police chief said the shooting was accidental as the officer involved intended to fire a stun gun. Police were trying to arrest him with a pending order.
Tensions were already high in the city over the ongoing trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer accused of the murder of George Floyd.
Protests related to Wright’s shooting are planned in the downtown Minneapolis area, where Target Field is home to the Twins. Prior to the announcement of the postponement, both teams had gone out on the field to warm up, with the national anthem already sounded.
NHL officials said the Blues-Wild game would be rescheduled for May 12.
“The decision was made out of respect for the community, following the tragic shooting that took place in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, on Sunday afternoon,” the league said in a statement. “The National Hockey League extends its sincerest condolences to Daunte Wright’s family and friends.”
Information from The Associated Press was used in this note.