WASHINGTON — The White House says a bystander’s video of the fatal shooting of a black man by a white South Carolina police officer shows how body cameras worn by police officers could help build trust between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.
Spokesman Josh Earnest says the video evidence led investigators to change how they were looking at the case.
Police initially promised a full investigation into Saturday’s shooting by the officer, Michael Thomas Slager.
Slager had said he shot Scott in self-defense, but the bystander recorded him firing eight shots at the back of Walter Lamer Scott as he runs away.
Slager was fired from the force Wednesday. He also faces 30 years to life if convicted.
Earnest also says the video is “awfully hard to watch.”
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