The protests erupted in Charlotte, North Carolina after yet another African-American was shot by an officer
A police vehicle is damaged after protests broke out following a fatal shooting by Charlotte police. Pic/AP
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Washington: Twelve officers were injured during violent protests in Charlotte, North Carolina, sparked by the fatal police shooting of an African-American, officials said.
Demonstrators gathered yesterday near the apartment complex where the shooting occurred, carrying signs that read “Black Lives Matter” and chanting “No justice”. News reports said the man shot by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer, identified as Keith Lamont Scott, was African-American, as was the officer who killed him.
“Approximately 12 officers injured. One officer hit in face with a rock,” read a tweet posted by the Charlotte-Mecklenberg Police Department.
A separate police department tweet said the officers were “injured tonight working to protect our community during demonstration.” News reports said an unspecified number of civilians were also hurt.
The police also donned riot gear and used tear gas as they tried to subdue the angry crowd, which authorities said attacked and damaged several police cars.
Meanwhile, the officer involved in the shooting, Brentley Vinson, has been put on paid leave. It was reported that Vinson was searching for a suspect on an outstanding arrest warrant. Police encountered Scott — who was not the person they were seeking — in a car parked at the building. Officials said he had a firearm, which is not illegal under local law. A confrontation ensued and police, who said they felt threatened by Scott, opened fire and killed him. He was 43.
However, Scott’s relatives said he was not carrying a gun but instead was holding a book in his hands at the time he was gunned down.
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