North Carolina riots: man shot in the head at ‘peaceful’ protest over police shooting of Keith Scott

Violence: Protesters throw objects at police during fresh clashes following the death of Keith Lamont Scott at an apartment block
Sean Rayford/Getty Images
Jamie Bullen22 September 2016

A protester is fighting for his life after he was shot during a fresh round of violence in North Carolina sparked by a fatal police shooting of a black man.

A state of emergency has been declared in Charlotte after violent clashes erupted between police and demonstrators for a second night in the city following the death of Keith Scott.

Mr Scott, 43, was shot dead by a police on Tuesday. Police say he had a gun, but neighbours and his family say he had only a book as he waited for his son to leave the school bus.

The officer who shot him was placed on administrative leave in line with standard procedure.

Mr Scott’s death has triggered chaotic protests in the city which continued last night with a candlelight prayer vigil before splinter groups marched through the city centre where a man was shot.

He is said to be in a critical condition. Officials said police did not fire the shot.

Before the shooting, chants of “black lives matter" and "hands up don't shoot" were shouted by the group while police officers at the scene were subjected to swearing during clashes.

Immediately after the man was injured, police unleashed flash grenades and protesters threw fireworks before tear gas was fired by police as hundreds dispersed.

Riot police linked arm-in-arm through the city firing gas at people who charged at them. At least one protester knocked down a TV reporter during a live broadcast.

The destruction took place hours after Charlotte’s mayor and black police chief appealed for calm at City Hall.

African-American leaders, who said they were speaking for Mr Scott's family, held their own news conference near where he was killed.

John Barnett, who runs a civil rights group called True Healing Under God, (THUG), warned releasing footage of Mr Scott’s shooting may be the only way for police to regain trust.

"Just telling us this is still under investigation is not good enough for the windows of the Wal-Mart," he said.

Additional reporting by PA

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