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Walter Scott death: More charges in South Carolina shooting | Walter Scott death: More charges in South Carolina shooting |
(35 minutes later) | |
A former police officer accused of fatally shooting a black motorist in South Carolina is now facing additional federal charges. | A former police officer accused of fatally shooting a black motorist in South Carolina is now facing additional federal charges. |
Michael Slager, who is white, has been charged with violating the civil rights of Walter Scott, who was unarmed and running away when he was shot. | Michael Slager, who is white, has been charged with violating the civil rights of Walter Scott, who was unarmed and running away when he was shot. |
The state has already brought murder charges over the traffic stop that ended in tragedy in April 2015. | The state has already brought murder charges over the traffic stop that ended in tragedy in April 2015. |
A lawyer for Mr Scott's family said the federal charges were historic. | A lawyer for Mr Scott's family said the federal charges were historic. |
Chris Stewart said: "This is history in so many ways. This never happens." | Chris Stewart said: "This is history in so many ways. This never happens." |
As well as a civil rights violation, the federal charges also include obstruction of justice and unlawful use of a weapon during the commission of a crime. | As well as a civil rights violation, the federal charges also include obstruction of justice and unlawful use of a weapon during the commission of a crime. |
The case reignited a long-running debate in the US about the police use of lethal force, especially against African Americans. | The case reignited a long-running debate in the US about the police use of lethal force, especially against African Americans. |
Wiping tears from her eyes at a press conference, Mr Scott's mother said she was thankful that justice was being done but nothing could bring back her son. | |
Video footage filmed from the dashcam of Mr Slager's car showed what looked like a routine traffic stop - until Mr Scott got out of the car with the police officer in pursuit. | Video footage filmed from the dashcam of Mr Slager's car showed what looked like a routine traffic stop - until Mr Scott got out of the car with the police officer in pursuit. |
Although the video does not capture Mr Slager firing eight shots, gunshots and shouting are heard off-screen. | Although the video does not capture Mr Slager firing eight shots, gunshots and shouting are heard off-screen. |
A second video filmed by a bystander shows the pair scuffle and then Mr Scott fleeing again. | A second video filmed by a bystander shows the pair scuffle and then Mr Scott fleeing again. |
His death sparked rallies in North Charleston, with chants of "No justice, no peace". | His death sparked rallies in North Charleston, with chants of "No justice, no peace". |
Mr Slager was fired from his job and North Charleston approved a $6.5m civil settlement with Mr Scott's family last autumn. | Mr Slager was fired from his job and North Charleston approved a $6.5m civil settlement with Mr Scott's family last autumn. |