US Protesters Decry Police Killing of Black Man

Local Editor

Protests had been held in South Carolina over the fatal shooting of an unarmed black man as he ran away from police.

Officer Michael Slager was charged with murder and sacked after video emerged of him shooting Walter Scott multiple times in the back following a scuffle.

He was arrested when authorities reviewed mobile phone video of the shooting.

The incident had been widely condemned, and the US Department of Justice and the FBI were investigating.

Cries of "Black lives matter!" rang out as about 50 protesters joined local politicians outside City Hall in North Charleston on Wednesday morning.

"We cannot sit still and be quiet anymore. This is our season to speak!" said one woman who commanded the crowd's attention.

The shooting in North Charleston, South Carolina, came amid a nationwide debate over issues of trust between law enforcement and minority communities.

A protest began with about 40 to 50 people in North Charleston, led by a local group.

The sheriff whose jurisdiction includes North Charleston attended the rally, while Mayor Keith Summey and the city police chief visited Scott's family to offer their condolences.

Summey announced the charge against Slager at a news conference.

Authorities said Scott was shot after the officer had already hit the man with a stun gun after a traffic stop Saturday that began over a faulty brake light.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team