McCrory declares state of emergency after Charlotte protests

by WRAL.com, September 22, 2016.

Gov. Pat McCrory has declared a State of Emergency late Wednesday night after two nights of protests of the fatal shooting of a man by a police officer Tuesday afternoon.

A vigil in Marshall Park for Keith Lamont Scott quickly turned to a violent protest Wednesday night less than 24 hours after violent protests overnight that blocked Interstate 85 and other roads, damaged property and injured more than a dozen police officers.

At the request of Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Chief Kerr Putney, McCrory declared a State of Emergency and said that he initiated efforts to deploy the National Guard to assist local law enforcement on the scene in Charlotte.

A large group of protesters moved from Marshall Park and marched through the streets just after 7 p.m. Police in riot gear arrived on the scene just after 8 p.m.

Video from the scene showed police using tear gas to break up the crowd.

Charlotte officials said a shooting occurred in front of the Omni Hotel during the protests. Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Chief Kerr Putney said that the man shot in the protest was killed but officials later retracted that statement, saying the man was on life support and in critical condition.

Officials said that no law enforcement officers were involved in the shooting.

Kenny Smith with the Charlotte City Council confirmed that seven Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers were taken to the hospital for injuries sustained during protests.

Just before midnight, protesters moved to Interstate 277 and began blocking traffic.

McCrory said Wednesday night that the State Bureau of Investigation has been assisting Charlotte police officers since Tuesday and State Highway Patrol officers were sent in to assist Wednesday night at the request of the police chief.

"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," McCrory said.

Attorney General Roy Cooper said in a statement Wednesday night that he has offered the full assistance of the North Carolina Department of Justice to Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts.

'Violence will not bring justice. I urge everyone in Charlotte tonight to heed the call for peaceful demonstration. We must come together as a community to get answers and find a better path foward," Cooper said. "Already tonight we have seen civilians, police and emergency responders injured. This must stop."

The Charlotte Area Transit System suspended streetcar service and altered certain Lightrail routes due to the protests.

Read more at http://www.wral.com/charlotte-leaders-plead-for-calm-after-police-shooting/16035678/#vljPp7fVHLmesSGJ.99