Protests erupted in Charlotte, North Carolina Tuesday night after the killing of Keith Lamont Scott by police. Witnesses say Scott, who was black, was unarmed, disabled, and reading a book while waiting for his son’s school bus. Police say 12 officers were injured during the protests; protesters were tear-gassed at least twice over the course of the night.
Scott was killed by CMPD Officer Brentley Vinson, who is also black. Police said they were searching for someone with an outstanding arrest warrant when they saw Scott exit a car holding a gun and shot him. His family members told CNN that Scott, a father of seven, was holding a book. Police claim a gun was recovered from the scene.
Protesters demonstrated in front of the apartment complex where Scott was killed, and then shut down Interstate 85 for several hours. Some pulled items from the back of trucks and set them on fire while others broke the windshield and windows of a police van, according to CNN. Police say 12 officers were injured and seven had to go to the hospital, including one who was hit in the face with a rock.
A number of demonstrators also broke windows at a Walmart, and Fox 46 reports some items were stolen.
There are no reports on the total number of protesters who were injured; ABC reports that seven civilians were taken to the hospital. Reporters on the scene said tear gas was deployed shortly before 11 pm on Interstate 85 itself and again near an on-ramp.
Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts asked for calm last night and said the shooting is being investigated.
Scott is the sixth civilian to be killed this year by Charlotte-Mecklenberg police.