Within the past week, swirling hate and violence has focused its intensity around Charlotte, North Carolina, as a result from a police related shooting. In response, citizens of Charlotte and surrounding cities have taken to the streets in protest of the death of Keith Lamont Scott. Demonstrations, as well as violence, have been a result of the anger seeded in the death of a family member, father, and member of the Charlotte community.

 Chief Kerr Putney spoke shortly afterwards, stating the details he knew about the case. He disclosed that he did not want to jeopardize the investigation, only releasing the following:  Keith Lamont Scott was assumed to be a man the police had an arrest warrant for; officers opened fire on Scott once Scott allegedly pulled a handgun on them and refused to drop his weapon; there was a video from a body camera on one officer who witnessed the shooting, and Scott’s family said that he was acting non-aggressively and calmly previous to being shot and killed. As of late, videos from both the police officer’s body camera and dash camera have been released to the public, showing the death of Keith Scott live.

 Though media can spread information easily and to a large group of people, differing opinions and beliefs on this situation have created hostility. Protests on the internet are almost as effective as public demonstrations, which have become more popular as the days passed since the shooting. Unfortunately, public safety is at risk due to the violence occurring at night. In response to this, the city of Charlotte has imposed a city-wide curfew to ensure public safety. Though riot squads have been sent into Charlotte prepared to combat violence, the majority of protests have grown peaceful. Despite peaceful protests from students, violent protests have led to at least one death and several people getting shot.

 Communities from Winston Salem State University have joined in on the cause as well.  Here is a word from Millbrook alumni and current Winston Salem State University student, Brooke Bennett:

“Hey Wildcats, I miss y’all! So at my school Winston Salem State University, I  am given so many opportunities! Since I’ve been here, I’ve network and made some permanent changes at my school. We have come together inviting the community to stand with us and protest for Keith Scott and Terence Crutcher.  I enjoy attending my HBCU; I do believe all lives matter, and all cops aren’t bad. I would like to see some change in the world, and I feel like protesting and advocating for the voices that can’t be heard is the way I’m helping the African American Community.”

 As the nights of protests continue, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers will impose a curfew and continue the investigation on the death of Keith Scott. Once further information is released, the investigation will remain private. Until a verdict has been reached, the public will continue to voice their opinion, violently, silently, or through social media.