NBA Hall of Famer and Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan has released a statement following last night’s violent protests that saw the Charlotte Hornets store targeted by looters and vandals.
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In early August Jordan donated million to the National Museum of African American History and Culture at the Smithsonian, which is scheduled to be opened by President Barack Obama September 24. Police claim Scott was armed, but Scott’s family said he was holding a book when he died. North Carolina governor Pat McCrory declared a state of emergency in the city of Charlotte due to the riots and police have been trying to control certain sections of the crowd by firing canisters of tear gas as a part of riot control. One protester was shot, and four police officers were injured as protesters looted stores and officers shot rubber bullets. One person was critically injured in a “civilian-on-civilian” confrontation, according to police, and at least four cops were hurt on the second night of protests.
In his statement, Jordan stressed how it was more important now than ever to restore calm and come together peacefully, in constructive and non-violent ways.
Jordan, long criticized for failing to use his superstar status to speak out on issues that might hurt his marketing power, recently penned an essay for the website The Undefeated titled: Michael Jordan: ‘I can no longer stay silent’.
Scott, an African-American, was shot by a Charlotte police officer Tuesday afternoon. I know people have a job to do, but people need transparency.
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Jordan offered condolences to the Scott family and is asking for peaceful demonstrations.
