Man Shot During Charlotte Protests, In Critical Condition
Protests in Charlotte, North Carolina spilled over into another night of outrage on Wednesday after the shooting of Keith Lamont Scott, who police claim was armed and not cooperating with officer’s commands. Witnesses contradict this claim, stating Scott was holding a book and waiting to pick up his children from school.
Charlotte police, wearing riot gear, worked to contain the demonstrations on Wednesday, when tensions among the crowd in downtown Charlotte reached a breaking point: a man was shot after a prayer vigil evolved into a march, according to The Chicago Tribune.
The city of Charlotte initially tweeted out that the shooting victim had died, but later clarified that he was in critical condition and on life support.
CORRECTION UPDATE: Civilian who suffered gunshot wound during protests is on life support, critical condition. Not deceased.
— City of Charlotte (@CLTgov) September 22, 2016
“The events that we saw last night are not the Charlotte I know and love,” Mayor Jennifer Roberts said during a Thursday morning news conference, according to FOX. “They are not reflective of our community, of the deep-seated traditions we have of collaboration and peace.”
Several other protestors were injured during the demonstration, as the National Guard was called in and tear gas was used. One officer was also reportedly injured.
Photo Credits: Twitter