The Charlotte Police Department showed video of an officer shooting a black man to the slain man's family, but the video won't be released to the public.
Police Chief Kerr Putney said during a news conference Thursday that the video does not definitively show 43-year-old Keith Lamont Scott pointing a gun at anyone.
The video could be key to resolving the chasm between police, who say Scott refused repeated commands to drop his gun, and residents who say he was unarmed. It's not clear what the body cameras worn by three officers who were present during the shooting may have captured.
The Scott family released the following statement after viewing the video:
"Keith Lamont Scott's wife and other members of her family viewed two videos captured by police dashboard and body cameras that showed Mr. Scott's shooting death.
After watching the videos, the family again has more questions than answers.
When told by police to exit his vehicle, Mr. Scott did so in a very calm, non-aggressive manner.
While police did give him several commands, he did not aggressively approach them or raise his hands at members of law enforcement at any time.
It is impossible to discern from the videos what, if anything, Mr. Scott is holding in his hands.
When he was shot and killed, Mr. Scott's hands were by his side and he was slowly walking backwards.
It was incredibly difficult for members of the Scott family to view these videos, but as a matter of the greater good and transparency, the Scott family asks that the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department publicly immediately release both of the videos they watched today.
We will continue our own investigation into Mr. Scott's death. For those who wish to protest, we urge you to do so peacefully."
Life is returning to normal on downtown streets in Charlotte despite two nights of violence.
On Thursday morning, a few uniformed police officers are walking around the area. The governor declared a state of emergency Wednesday night and called on help from the National Guard, but no Guard members were present on the street Thursday morning.
Glass and uprooted plants can be seen on the sidewalk from the protests Wednesday night.
Traffic is flowing in the area although at least three major companies asked their employees to stay home on Thursday.
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Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
Minute-by-minute timeline of protests in Charlotte Wednesday
10:45 p.m. update: City officials said the person who was shot in uptown tonight is not dead but is in serious condition. Earlier, CMPD said the person had died.
10:25 p.m. update: Gov. McCrory issues statement:
“I want to assure the people of North Carolina that our SBI has already been assisting the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department throughout the last 24 hours.
Upon a very recent request of Chief Putney, the State Highway Patrol is sending in troopers to further help the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department.
The state has many additional assets nearby to assist. Any violence directed toward our citizens or police officers or destruction of property should not be tolerated.
I support and commend the law enforcement officials for their bravery and courage during this difficult situation.”
9:50 p.m. update: Looters hit the Charlotte Hornets team store at the arena uptown, Hornets officials confirmed.
9:45 p.m. update: Mecklenburg EMS has treated three people so far tonight. The gunshot victim and two others with non-life threatening injuries.
UPDATE 9:30 p.m.: Police in riot gear are using tear gas during the violent protest.
BREAKING - 9:20 p.m.: The person shot uptown during the protests has died, CMPD Chief Kerr Putney confirmed.
BREAKING - 8:40 p.m.: At least one person shot at N College St and E Trade St, a security expert said. One person was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, MEDIC said.
The security expert, Ross Bulla, was with reporter Paul Boyd at the scene.
Bulla heard the gunshot near the Epicentre and went to perform first aid to the person, who he said was a black man.
He said the gun shot wound was very serious.
8:30 p.m.: The crowd continues to march in uptown.
8:15 p.m.: Police in riot gear confront protesters at the Epicentre.
7:45 p.m.: Demonstrators are marching throughout uptown Charlotte blocking traffic.
6:55 p.m.: Rakeyia Scott, wife of Keith Scott, issues statement:
My family is devastated by the shooting death of my husband, Keith.
Keith was a loving husband, father, brother and friend who will be deeply missed every day.
As a family, we respect the rights of those who wish to protest, but we ask that people protest peacefully. Please do not hurt people or members of law enforcement, damage property or take things that do not belong to you in the name of protesting.
After listening to remarks made by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Putney today, we have more questions than answers about Keith's death. Rest assured, we will work diligently to get answers to our questions as quickly as possible.
In the near future, we will offer more information about Keith and our family.
Until then, we ask that you please respect our family's privacy as we grieve and prepare to lay Keith to rest.
6:20 p.m.: White House official releases details of phone call between President Obama and Charlotte mayor Jennifer Roberts:
President Obama made calls to Mayor Dewey Bartlett of Tulsa and Mayor Jennifer Roberts of Charlotte Wednesday afternoon about the recent events related to the deaths of Terence Crutcher in Tulsa and Keith Lamont Scott in Charlotte. Both Mayors provided the President with an update on the situation on the ground and the protests in their cities. The President expressed his condolences to both Mayors on the tragic events and affirmed the Administration's commitment to provide assistance as needed. The President and both Mayors reiterated that any protests should be conducted in a peaceful manner and that local law enforcement should find ways to calmly and productively engage those protesting. The President will continue to receive updates on the situations from Attorney General Lynch and White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett.
6 p.m.: CMPD Chief Kerr Putney reiterated Wednesday morning that Keith Scott was armed when he approached officers in University City Tuesday.
Channel 9 obtained an image from the scene of the shooting that shows a gun on the ground near Scott’s feet as officers stood around him.
Officials confirmed to Channel 9 that is the weapon they confiscated from Scott.
5:30 p.m.: More businesses are closing early. IKEA in University City announced it's closing at 6 p.m. Wednesday and will reopen 10 a.m. Thursday. The Charlotte Athletic Club closed its Trade & Tryon and Duke Energy Center locations immediately. It said members, guests and staff safety is its number one priority.
5:10 p.m.: A planned demonstration is underway at the corner of Trade and Tryon streets in uptown. Watch live from Chopper 9.
4:32 p.m.: The city of Charlotte released an official statement Wednesday:
"Yesterday’s officer-involved shooting and the ensuing events have been very difficult for our community.
It is important that we continue our tradition of working together to solve our problems thoughtfully and peacefully. We will rely on the strength of our neighborhoods, business leaders and faith communities as we heal during this difficult time."
Read the full statement here.
4 p.m.: Channel 9 has confirmed with sources that there is dash camera video that shows Keith Scott getting out a car and coming toward officers with a gun in his hands.
3:30 p.m.: Charlotte Chamber has sent out a Public Safety alert, asking businesses in Uptown and University area to collaborate with private security and CMPD, and pass along any security plans to employees and tenants.
