Pete Buttigieg confronts cop’s fatal shooting of black man as debate approaches

The fatal shooting of a black man by a white police officer has posed perhaps the biggest challenge so far for South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg‘s 2020 presidential bid.

The 37-year-old Democrat has been forced to navigate the dual roles of mayor and candidate at a critical time for both his campaign and city.

WATCH: May 4 — Pete Buttigieg faces more anti-gay hecklers as campaign continues to surge

1:30 Pete Buttigieg faces more anti-gay hecklers as campaign continues to surge

The death of Eric Logan also has drawn attention to Buttigieg’s struggle to appeal to black voters and threatens to undo some of the progress he has made with the minority community.

Buttigieg suggested Wednesday that the experience has made him a better leader and will allow him to speak during the campaign about issues he’s dealt with first-hand.

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That may be particularly true as he stands on the debate stage next week.