Keith Lamont Scott was a 43-year-old African American man who was fatally shot on September 20, in Charlotte, North Carolina, by Brently Vinson, an African American police officer. Unlike a number of other recent police shootings, the entire incident was recorded by Scott’s wife, Rakeyia Scott. This video sparked major controversy in regard to how police officers are supposed to conduct themselves in specific situations. Following the shooting, riots and protests began all over the city.

The video has caused outrage across the country, as many argue that the situation was poorly and dangerously handled. In the video, Scott is being confronted by police in the front seat of his car, being told by officer Brently Vinson to “drop the gun.” Rakeyia Scott can be heard saying, “He doesn’t have a gun. He has a [traumatic brain injury]. He’s not going to do anything to you guys. He just took his medicine.

After the release of the video, people across the nation questioned how the police officers conducted themselves and if such violence was necessary. Alex Mckenzie, a student at ERHS, said, “Of course something else could have been done. There is always a non violent answer in these types of situations. What we saw in Charlotte was a failure of the police and a failure in how they were trained.”

After the fatal shooting of Scott, peaceful protests as well as destructive riots broke out in the streets of Charlotte. Some groups protested the police department, while other groups went downtown and looted local businesses, making national headlines. This had led to discussion regarding if the riots were justified or not. Former ERHS student Aaron Miller stated, “It’s one of the only ways for the media and politicians to see how badly we want change. It takes a man to get shot and hundreds of people gathering in the streets for the government and police force to see that they are the problem and not us.”

The riots went on for several days, leaving damage throughout Charlotte. Local businesses in the area suffered serious damage, causing them to condemn the riots. ERHS English teacher Ms. Michelle McGee said, “While I appreciate why people rioted and sympathize with the need for such a violent catharsis, it’s hard to say that the riots were justified.”

The fatal shooting has also generated discussion regarding the education of police officers, especially when it comes to individuals who are disabled. Ms. McGee commented, “Scott was a man with a traumatic brain injury; he might be slower to respond to commands or not understand the commands as they are given. I believe that the police need to learn how to better handle special needs communities.”