Sen. Scott: It’s ‘Clear’ Cop Shooting Of S.C. Black Man Was ‘Avoidable’

UNITED STATES - FEBRUARY 9: Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., holds his National School Choice Forum on "Choosing Excellence: A Forum on the Freedom to Choose Academic Excellence for Every Child" in the Hart Senate Office BUil... UNITED STATES - FEBRUARY 9: Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., holds his National School Choice Forum on "Choosing Excellence: A Forum on the Freedom to Choose Academic Excellence for Every Child" in the Hart Senate Office BUilding on Monday, Feb. 9, 2015 (Photo By Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call) (CQ Roll Call via AP Images) MORE LESS
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Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) on Tuesday said the video that appears to show a white South Carolina police officer shooting a black man in the back was “troubling” and noted that he thought the shooting was “avoidable.”

“The horrific video that came to light yesterday is deeply troubling. It is clear the killing of Walter Scott was unnecessary and avoidable, and my prayers are with the Scott family as they go through this ordeal,” Scott said in a Wednesday statement.

North Charleston, S.C., Patrolman Michael Thomas Slager was arrested on Tuesday and charged with murder for the shooting death of Walter Scott. A video posted online appears to show Slager shooting Scott numerous times in the back as Scott runs away.

Police said that Slager allegedly shot Scott after he already used a stun gun on the man following a traffic stop on Saturday. Slager alleged that he felt threatened and that Scott tried to grab his stun gun from him, according to police.

Sen. Scott on Wednesday called on anyone protesting the death of Walter Scott to remain peaceful.

“With several protests planned today, I join community leaders in North Charleston in calling for peace. I understand the hurt, the frustration and the anger many are feeling today. But violence solves nothing,” Scott said in his statement. “We must come together as a community, as a state, and as a nation in working to bring our communities together and rebuild trust.”

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