For Immediate Release: April 8, 2015 Contact: Kayla Keller, kayla@fitzgibbonmedia.com, 281.682.6212
New York, NY – Yesterday, South Carolina Police Officer Michael T. Slager was charged with the murder of Walter Scott after video surfaced showing him fatally shooting Mr. Scott in the back eight times while he ran away. The video also showed Officer Slager hand cuffing Mr. Scott as he lay dying, failing to give him CPR, and planting evidence at the scene.
Rashad Robinson, Executive Director of ColorofChange.org, issued the following statement:
“The murder charge brought against Officer Michael T. Slager speaks to the power and impact of a growing consciousness around the crisis of inhumane, discriminatory and violent policing targeting Black communities across the country. Mr. Scott’s murder, and the disgraceful cover up that followed, is not the issue of just one violent officer, but reflects an entire police department requiring the greatest reforms. Police brutalize residents and lie to cover up their actions every day — although it’s rare to have such misconduct caught on camera.
“But make no mistake; we have now firmly entered a new age of participation. Because of the harrowing video that surfaced — recorded on a bystander’s cell phone — justice can hopefully be served in this case. We offer the greatest condolences to the family as they grieve the tragic loss of their loved one. Technology has leveled the playing field for activists and community members, allowing us to harness tools like cellphones and social media to amplify issues of police misconduct in South Carolina and nationwide.
“The North Charleston population is 40 percent Black, yet the police department is 80 percent white. In the past 5 years South Carolina police have fired their weapons at 209 people and not one officer has been convicted. If it were not for this video, law enforcement would have covered up this murder. It’s disgraceful. The Department of Justice and local officials must implement a complete overhaul of Charleston law enforcement, including the removal of Police Chief Eddie Driggers, the release of comprehensive data on police use of force and the creation of an independent, civilian oversight. Body cameras do not go far enough to root out structural racism and deep-seated corruption.”