Civil Rights Charges In Fatal Cop Shooting
Ex-cop Michael Slager is indicted on multiple federal charges for the fatal shooting of Walter Scott, which was caught on camera.
Wednesday 11 May 2016 17:07, UK
A white former South Carolina police officer has been indicted on federal civil rights charges over the fatal shooting of an unarmed black man.
Michael Slager is charged with depriving the victim of his civil rights, obstruction of justice and unlawful use of a weapon during the commission of a crime.
The charges were listed in a federal grand jury indictment unsealed on Wednesday.
A judge later ruled that Slager could remain free on bond despite the federal charges.
Slager pleaded not guilty to the new charges during a court appearance on Wednesday.
The 34-year-old already faces a murder charge in South Carolina for the killing of 50-year-old Walter Scott in April 2015.
Video of the shooting, captured on a bystander's mobile phone, revealed that Slager fired eight shots at Mr Scott after he turned his back and ran away from the officer.
Before the footage emerged, Slager told authorities that Mr Scott had tried to grab his gun and Taser.
The shooting enflamed national unrest over police use of force, particularly in regard to treatment of black men.
An attorney for the Scott family told the AP news agency it was amazing that after all the cases over the past 20 years the federal government decided to indict an officer.
Chris Stewart said: "I think the Justice Department is tired of sitting on the sidelines and they think this is one they can definitely win and send a message to police departments around the country."
Last October, the city of North Charleston approved a $6.5m settlement for Mr Scott's family.