North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory declared a state of emergency late Sept. 21 as protests escalated over the shooting death of Keith Lamont Scott on Sept. 20.
The Los Angeles Times reports one man critically wounded and at least seven more injured in the protests, which continued for a second night in the face of growing tensions and anger over police handling of the circumstances of Scott's death. Protesters threw rocks and smashed windows, and police officers in riot gear fired tear gas and nonlethal bullets into the crowd.
Conflicting reports emerged on the status of the man shot and critically wounded in the midst of last night’s protests — he was originally reported deceased, but according to the Los Angeles Times remains in critical condition as of Sept 22. The city of Charlotte said the life-threatening shot was civilian-on-civilian, but clergy and other eyewitnesses at the scene said police were responsible for the violence:
A clergy leader on front lines in #Charlotte asks prayers for Cantrell,shot in head by police moments ago in protest pic.twitter.com/x5jn5gCWJj
— Michael McBride (@pastormykmac) September 22, 2016
The mayor and other state leadership urged peace and patience while the city addresses concerns over Scott's death. Rep. Kelly Alexander called the last 24 hours of violent protest the "worst I have ever seen in Charlotte," adding, "CMPD needs to release dash cam & body cam video of 9/20 shooting ASAP to help dispel rumors."
CMPD needs to release dash cam & body cam video of 9/20 shooting ASAP to help dispel rumors
— Kelly Alexander Jr (@TheNCRep) September 22, 2016
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