Michael Slager, Fatal Shooting, South Carolina 2015

A former North Charleston Police Officer has been held accountable for his actions in a deadly shooting that shocked the nation. Michael Slager, 35, pleaded guilty to a federal civil rights offense for his fatal shooting of Walter Scott, Jr. on April 4, 2015.

According to documents filed in connection with the guilty plea, Slager willfully used deadly force on Walter Scott even though it was objectively unreasonable under the circumstances. Slager had stopped Scott’s vehicle after observing that a brake light was not working. During the stop, Scott fled on foot and Slager pursued him. During the foot chase, Slager deployed his Taser and Scott fell to the ground. Scott managed to get off of the ground and again run away. Scott was unarmed and running away when Slager fired eight shots at him from his department-issued firearm. Five shots hit Scott, with all of the bullets entering from behind. Scott died as a result of the injuries from Slager’s gunshots.

The guilty plea will resolve both the federal and the state cases pending against Michael Slager. Prior to entry of the guilty plea, jury selection in the federal trial had been scheduled to begin on May 9, and a state trial had been set for August.

The plea marks a significant step towards justice for the Scott family. “Our hearts are with the Scott family today,” said U.S. Attorney Beth Drake. “They have persevered in their quest for justice for their loved one, and I hope that today brings them a measure of closure.”

Attorney General Jeff Sessions also weighed in on the matter. “The Department of Justice will hold accountable any law enforcement officer who violates the civil rights of our citizens by using excessive force,” he said. “Such failures of duty not only harm the individual victims of these crimes; they harm our country, by eroding trust in law enforcement and undermining the good work of the vast majority of honorable and honest police officers.”

The resolution of this investigation protects the integrity of law enforcement, maintains the confidence of the community, and ensures justice is served in a fair and impartial manner. Michael Slager’s guilty plea serves as a reminder that law enforcement officers will be held accountable for their actions.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Columbia Division, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Charleston County Solicitor’s Office, the Civil Rights Division, and the Ninth Judicial Circuit.

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