NBA Hall of Famer and owner of the Charlotte Hornets Michael Jordan released a statement after the death of Keith Lamont Scott and the violent protests in Charlotte that consequently followed.
The family of Keith Lamont Scott says he was a disabled man who was just reading a book, but police allege he was holding a gun and the officers were in danger. A warrant was being served at the apartment complex at the time.
Police say a gun was found near Scott, but many believe he was unjustly killed. Protests have begun in Charlotte but they turned into riots. Last night a state of emergency was declared and the National Guard was called in to assist police. One man was shot and in critical condition but it’s unclear who fired the gun. The Charlotte Hornets store was also targeted by the looters and vandals.
In a brief statement, Jordan expressed his condolences to the family of Keith Lamont Scott and says he hopes peace prevails above all in the coming nights.
“First, I want to express my condolences to the Scott family for their loss. I also wish for a full recovery to those who have been injured.
“In light of the tragic events of the past three days, it is more important than ever that we restore calm and come together, as a community, in peaceful demonstration and conversation, and in constructive and non-violent ways. As part of the fabric of Charlotte, the Hornets organization is committed to working with civic leaders, our elected leaders and law enforcement to foster more trust, transparency, and understanding so we can heal and grow together as a community.”
For many years Jordan remained silent on social issues until July of this year when he wrote an article for The Undefeated, asking for unity and donated $1 million each to the Institute for Community-Police Relations and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.
