Twins, T-Wolves postpone their respective games after police shooting of Daunte Wright

Monday afternoon’s game between the Twins and Red Sox was postponed for “security reasons” following the police shooting of Daunte Wright on Sunday night. So was the Timberwolves-Nets NBA game.

“Out of respect for the tragic events that occurred yesterday (Sunday) at Brooklyn Center, and following additional details in this evolving situation, the Twins have decided that it is in the best interest of our fans, staff, players and community to not play today’s (Monday) game,” Minnesota said in a statement.

The choice to postpone the game was made by the Twins after consultation with MLB, as well as local and state authorities.

Wright, a 20-year-old African-American man, died Sunday after he was shot by a police officer in suburban Brooklyn Center during a traffic stop. The Brooklyn Center police chief said the shooting was accidental, as the officer involved intended to fire a taser and not a firearm during a struggle with Wright. Police were attempting to arrest him on an outstanding warrant.

Tensions were already high in the city due to the ongoing trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer charged with the murder of George Floyd.

Demonstrations related to Wright’s murder are centered in downtown Minneapolis, where Target Field, home of the Twins, is located. Before the postponement was announced, both teams had taken the field for warm-ups, and the national anthem was already playing.