Minnesota Twins, Timberwolves postpone games in wake of police shooting of Daunte Wright

The  Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Timberwolves postponed games on Monday following the police shooting of Daunte Wright on Sunday night.

"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 interest of our fans, staff, players and community to not play today's game" the Twins said in a statement.

The Twins were slated to play the Boston Red Sox. The Timberwolves were scheduled to play the Brooklyn Nets.

The decision to postpone the game was made by the Twins after consulting Major League Baseball, in addition to local and state officials.

Wright, a 20-year-old Black man, died Sunday after a police officer shot him in the suburb of Brooklyn Center during a traffic stop. The Brooklyn Center police chief said the shooting was accidental, as the officer involved intended to fire a stun gun and not a handgun during a struggle with Wright. Police were trying 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.

Protests related to Wright's shooting are planned in the area of downtown Minneapolis, where Target Field, home of the Twins, is located. Prior to the announcement of postponement, both teams had taken the field to warm up, with the national anthem already played.

NHL officials were discussing into whether Monday night's St. Louis Blues-Minnesota Wild game would be played.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.