The first night of protests in Charlotte, NC grew quite heated, but the second night has seen violent results. On Wednesday night, at least 800 people gathered to protest the officer-involved shooting death of Keith Lamont Scott, and the atmosphere quickly turned chaotic with some protesters looting. Now, at least one person has been shot.
Fox News’ live broadcast reports that the shooting was a civilian-on-civilian act of violence. CMPD Chief Kerr Putney confirms to WSOC TV that the person was being transported to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Steve Harrigan reports to Fox News that the gunshot victim was possibly shot in the head. Several news outlets, including Fox News and CNN, reported him as dying en route to the hospital, but the City of Charlotte updated its original tweet. The civilian is on life support and in critical condition, but he’s alive.
CORRECTION UPDATE: Civilian who suffered gunshot wound during protests is on life support, critical condition. Not deceased.
— City of Charlotte (@CLTgov) September 22, 2016
At least seven officers have been injured during this second night of protests. Cops have been firing rubber bullets and launching tear gas clouds in an effort to disperse the crowd. The shooting reportedly took place outside the Omni hotel, which has locked its doors. Currently, a line of police in riot gear is not directly confronted by angry protesters, but some individuals have approached the line as the evening has progressed. Police have announced that anyone who steps into the street near the line of officers will be arrested.
Governor Pat McCrory has declared a state of emergency in Charlotte: “The main thing that I’m doing is providing assets to the police department.”
This clip from earlier in the evening shows a CNN anchor being hit and pushed over by a protester during a live broadcast.