Governor Pat McCrory provided an update today on the North Carolina National Guard, State Highway Patrol and other resources deployed to help the city of Charlotte restore order following two nights of unrest.
“As we continue to monitor the situation here today, I have assured the mayor and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department that the state will continue to offer any and all support necessary to protect property and most importantly our citizens,” said Governor McCrory. “I want to reiterate that any violence directed toward our citizens or police officers or destruction of property will not be tolerated. By working together, I am confident in our ability to support local efforts to restore Charlotte to peace and prosperity.”
Governor McCrory declared a State of Emergency for Charlotte and Mecklenburg County last night at 11:00 p.m. upon the request of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Kerr Putney. At that time, the governor initiated efforts to deploy the North Carolina National Guard and the State Highway Patrol to assist local law enforcement. These additional resources were primarily dedicated to protecting infrastructure and controlling traffic so that Charlotte law enforcement was better situated to restore peace early this morning.
In addition to receiving an update on the latest situation in Charlotte today, the governor also visited with several police officers injured during protests over the last 48 hours and offered them the state’s support. Governor McCrory has also spoken with several governors and President Obama who have offered support.
“I support and commend the law enforcement officials for their bravery and courage during this difficult situation and continue to pray for all of the officers who have been injured in protests over the last 48 hours,” said Governor McCrory. “I also continue to pray for our city and state, and for the family of Mr. Scott.”
Governor McCrory said that the State Bureau of Investigation has initiated an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting