Judge lets Minnesota's deadly force law stand, but strikes controversial provision

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - A Ramsey County judge is allowing Minnesota's new deadly force law to go back into effect. But Judge Leonardo Castro did strike one provision that police groups said was unconstitutional.

The provision had compelled a police officer who uses deadly force to justify why, potentially at trial.

Lawmakers implemented the new deadly force standards in summer 2020 in the wake of George Floyd's murder. The new standards require officers to only use deadly force to protect someone from death or great bodily harm.

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Police groups believed this law, which took effect in March -- one month before the Daunte Wright shooting -- would have compelled Kim Potter to testify. Those fears didn't come to pass in this case because Judge Castro put the law on ice and Potter testified anyway.

Coincidentally, Castro ruled on the same day Potter took the stand.

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Kim Potter broke down while being cross-examined by Assistant Attorney General Erin Eldridge Friday, telling the court, "I'm sorry it happened, I'm so sorry," and that she did not intend to use deadly force against Daunte Wright.