Charlotte Community Speaks on Keith Scott Decision

CHARLOTTE, NC — Many are looking to leaders in the community to help heal the city’s wounds, and bridge the growing rift between Charlotte’s government and the people it serves.

Wednesday, several voices were speaking up about the Keith Scott decision, and what comes next.

“Maybe it was justified legally,” said Ray McKinnon, a minister at South Tryon Community UMC. “But morally, I don’t think that it was.”

Charlotte spoke out, with emotion and passions on display, following the announcement that no charges will be filed in the officer-involved shooting death of Keith Scott.

“Upset, frustrated about the decision that was made by the district attorney,” said Charlotte protester and activist Braxton Winston at a community press conference in the Belmont Community Center. “I’m not surprised by the decision.”

“Who do we hold accountable to actually reevaluate the system itself?” asked Pastor James Scott of The Exchange Church. “This is bigger than whether or not this is a clean shoot.”‘

“We have to reform our broken system,” said McKinnon. “We have to say that it is never okay to shoot first, and to ask questions later.”

Condemnation for a broken system and the district attorney’s decision. But also support from the community for the men and women of CMPD.

“How many of you know who your local police officer is?” asked Ola Mitchell, president of the Bridlewood Community Association. “Do you really know his name? Have you got a chance to really get to know him? These people have families just like you do. They are afraid just like we are. But they choose to come out and protect us.”

But this latest test for the bond between a city and its government is leaving more questions than answers.

“It’s your right to protest,” said Charlotte business owner and activist Shaun Corbett. “It’s your right to stand up. But then what? Now what? What’s the next move? What are we doing next? Because it’s painfully obvious that we’re not going to fix this unless we all get on the same page.”

“We need law enforcement, no question about it,” said Charlotte NAACP President Reverend Corine Mack. “But law enforcement has certain parameters. Their responsibility is to protect and serve all people. And that’s all I’m looking for. I’m looking for fairness. I’m looking for justice.”