Agency leadership of the Liquor and Cannabis Board, including Board Chair David Postman and Director Will Lukela, were briefed by staff Thursday evening of a speaker that would be part an upcoming Enforcement and Education Division training planned for Sept. 23, 2024, in Vancouver, WA. The division had hired Mr. Imran Ali, of Eckberg Lammers, P.C in Minnesota, to conduct “Use of Force” training for commissioned LCB officers. The training was to include former Minnesota police officer Kim Potter.
The training proposal referred to a “high-profile case from Minnesota where a police officer was charged and convicted of Manslaughter.” While not mentioned in the training proposal, the “high profile case” was to include Ms. Potter who, in 2021, fatally shot Daunte Wright, an unarmed 20-year-old Black man, after mistaking her gun for her taser. She was convicted and served 16 months in prison. She was released in 2023.
Once Chair Postman and Director Lukela became aware of Ms. Potter’s involvement, they directed staff to immediately cancel the training. The planned training was cancelled Friday morning.
We believe learning can come from those who have made tragic mistakes. The cancellation of the planned training is not a reflection of its value. Instead, LCB leadership believes the inclusion of Ms. Potter would be insensitive and inappropriate to Mr. Wright’s family and the African American community who continue to grieve.