Walter Scott was a Black man who was fatally shot by a white police officer in North Charleston, South Carolina, in 2015. The incident was captured on video and led to renewed calls for police reform.
Here's a brief overview of the events:
- The Shooting: On April 4, 2015, Scott was pulled over by police officer Michael Slager for a broken taillight. During the encounter, Scott fled on foot. Slager pursued him and fired eight shots, striking Scott multiple times.
- The Video: The shooting was captured on video by a bystander, who recorded the incident from a nearby parking lot. The video showed Slager firing at Scott as he ran away, and then planting a stun gun near Scott's body.
- Arrest and Trial: Slager was arrested and charged with murder. In 2017, he was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
The Walter Scott case highlighted the issue of police brutality and the importance of body-worn cameras. The video evidence in this case played a crucial role in holding the officer accountable for his actions.