Categories: U.S. News

Walter Scott shooting: North Charleston protests over unarmed black man killing by police

Protests have been held in North Charleston, South Carolina, following the fatal shooting of an unarmed black man by a white police officer.

Officer Michael Slager was charged with murder and sacked after video emerged of him shooting Walter Scott multiple times in the back following a scuffle.

Michael Slager was arrested when authorities reviewed mobile phone video of the shooting, which took place on April 4.

The incident has been widely condemned, and the US Department of Justice and the FBI are investigating.

Cries of “Black lives matter!” rang out as about 50 protesters joined local politicians outside City Hall in North Charleston on April 8.

Appearing on ABC’s Good Morning America, Walter Scott’s mother described the video as “the most horrible thing I’ve ever seen”.

“I almost couldn’t look at it to see my son running defenselessly, being shot. It tore my heart to pieces,” Judy Scott said.

Other members of the family said they were grateful the video came to light and the authorities had acted quickly in response.

Michael Slager was fired from the force on Wednesday, as North Charleston Police Chief Eddie Driggers said he was “sickened” by the video.

The incident on April 4 began after Walter Scott’s car was stopped for having a broken rear light, local media reported.

A video of the incident published by the New York Times shows a brief scuffle before Walter Scott begins running away.

The video then shows the officer firing several shots at Walter Scott, who falls to the ground.

Michael Slager said at the weekend, through his lawyer, that he feared for his safety as Walter Scott had tried to grab his stun gun.

The same lawyer, David Aylor, told the Daily Beast he dropped Michael Slager as a client after the video become public.

Michael Slager appeared without a lawyer at his first court hearing on April 7. He could face up to life in prison if convicted of murder.

Walter Scott had four children, was engaged and had been honorably discharged from the US Coast Guard.

According to the Post and Courier newspaper of Charleston, Walter Scott had been arrested about 10 times, mostly for failing to pay child support or not showing up for court hearings.

Nancy Clayson

Nancy is a young, full of life lady who joined the team shortly after the BelleNews site started to run. She is focused on bringing up to light all the latest news from the technology industry. In her opinion the hi-tech expresses the humanity intellectual level. Nancy is an active person; she enjoys sports and delights herself in doing gardening in her spare time, as well as reading, always searching for new topics for her articles.

Recent Posts

Donald Trump and Elon Musk Celebrate Election Victory at UFC 309

Image source: Wikimedia Commons President-elect Donald Trump celebrated his election victory at the Ultimate Fighting…

5 days ago

White House 2024: Donald Trump Wins, Kamala Harris Calls Him to Concede Election

Millions of voters across the US chose to return Donald Trump to the White House…

2 weeks ago

Who Won? Donald Trump Declares Victory as He Addresses Jubilant Supporters in Florida

Donald Trump declares victory in the US election as he addresses jubilant supporters in Florida.…

2 weeks ago

Stocks Soaring as Donald Trump Closes in on US Victory

Stocks around the world are rising as Donald Trump appears to be on the cusp…

2 weeks ago

Who Won? Kamala Harris Cancels Election Night Party as Path to Victory Narrows

Donald Trump has won Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia and taken a lead over Kamala…

2 weeks ago

Quincy Jones Dead at 91

Quincy Jones, the celebrated musician and producer who worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray…

2 weeks ago