GRAPHIC VIDEO: SC Officer Charged With Murder
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WARNING: GRAPHIC VIDEO
NORTH CHARLESTON, SC — A white police officer is charged with murder for shooting and killing an unarmed black man in the back during a traffic stop.
The State Law Enforcement Division filed the charges Tuesday against North Charleston Officer Michael Slager after seeing cell phone video of the shooting. Β The officer fired eight shots, hitting Walter Scott in the back as he ran away Saturday morning. Β
It happened after a traffic stop over a broken tail light. Β Officer Slager says he feared for his life and that Scott overpowered him. Β Investigators say Slager radioed to police saying, “He took my Taser.” Β The North Charleston Mayor says the officer made a bad decision.
“When you’re wrong, you’re wrong,” said Mayor Keith Summey. Β “And if you make a bad decision, I don’t care if you’re behind the shield, or just a citizen on the street, you have to live by that decision.”
Scott’s family is asking the public to stay calm. Β Officer Slager faces life in prison or death if he’s convicted. Β SLED, the FBI and the Justice Department are all investigating the shooting. Β This is the 11th time this year that an officer has shot someone in South Carolina.
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