CHARLESTON, SC – A modest memorial marks the spot in North Charleston where Walter Scott was killed in April after a traffic stop turned deadly and eventually into a national conversation.
It has been a month since Scott took off running where he was later shot and killed by former officer Michael Slager.
The brutal police killing was captured on video. In the video, Officer Slager is seen shooting at a fleeing Scott. Scott’s family said five of those bullets hit the 50-year-old as he ran from the officer.
Officer Slager has since been dismissed from the North Charleston Police department and charged with first degree murder in Scott’s death.
Walter Scott’s death gaining national attention and continuing a conversation of police brutality with rallies sprouting up around the Lowcountry, including more planned for Monday. Muhiyidin D’Baha will be at North Charleston city hall at a part vigil for Scott and part rally for citizen’s review board. “We need to have trust and legitimacy between the community and policing,” said Muhiyidin D’Baha, a community organizer.
“A month ago tomorrow this helped bring change to America,” said Elder James Johnson of the National Action Network. Some pleased with the action the city has taken so far, but still still hoping for more recourse while also feeling for Walter Scott. “We got two sides it’s sad for the Scott family and hopefully this brings reform across America,” said Johnson.
As of Sunday night, two rallies are planned for May 4th. The Charleston Civil Coalition for Reform will gather at City Hall Monday at 4pm and the National Action Network will be outside the solicitors office in the afternoon.
