CMPD chief asking courts to release video footage of use of chemicals on protesters

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Kerr Putney will ask the courts to release all videos associated with a troubling incident from Tuesday evening, when officers appeared to use chemical agents against peaceful protesters in uptown.

The chief would make his request once the State Bureau of Investigation reviews those police actions, the department said via Twitter on Wednesday night. But Mayor Vi Lyles told reporters earlier Wednesday that the review of the incident “would take some time” — though answers would come “sooner than later.”

CMPD’s announcement came just hours after Lyles and Putney sought to reassure thousands of people gathered outside the Government Center on Wednesday evening that they had the right to protest safely.

During the listening session, residents demanded a strong showing of city leadership as they marched through uptown and past CMPD headquarters.

“They (CMPD) know that what happened last night was horrible,” Lyles told throngs of people.

In a press conference earlier Wednesday, Lyles had rebuked CMPD’s actions, saying “last evening was particularly hard to deal with.”

The startling incident Tuesday was captured by alternative news outlet Queen City Nerve on 4th and College streets.

Putney described the available video as disturbing, but told reporters there were other angles and perspectives from Tuesday’s incident that needed to be viewed.

The police chief arrived at Wednesday’s demonstrations at the vehement request of protesters, who pleaded for answers about why officers chose to use tear gas and pepper spray against peaceful protesters.

“You never heard me say we’re all perfect,” Putney said. He emphasized tear gas would “absolutely not” be used Wednesday “if there is no violence.”

Lyles hastily called for the town hall earlier Wednesday afternoon after Charlotte City Council members met in closed session for 3.5 hours to review the troubling protest incident.

The mayor led the fast-moving protesters beyond the Government Center plaza and through uptown as the listening session grew tense. City Council members — who wore masks amid the coronavirus pandemic — trailed behind. As they reached the scene where Tuesday’s incident occurred, Lyles and council members knelt for nine minutes, invoking the memory of Floyd’s death.

‘Be part of this movement’

Corine Mack, the president of the Charlotte NAACP, joined the crowd, galvanizing people early in the evening to root out racism among friends, loved ones and co-workers.

“If you want to be part of this movement, step up — speak up,” Mack implored of white allies. “Seriously, I love the fact you’re out here, but we need you to sacrifice yourself for us.”

City Council member Tariq Bokhari tweeted around 5 p.m. that he would be outside the Government Center, ready to listen with his colleagues.

“I’ll be listening with an open mind and heart,” Bokhari said. “It is my deepest hope this action will be the start that begins to bring us together as a community. Join us.”

Mayor Pro Tem Julie Eiselt tweeted that City Council members decided this impromptu gathering at the Government Center Plaza was “the best way to address people’s concerns.”

Thousands of people have gathered in Charlotte since Friday as they continue to grapple with the death of Floyd. Demonstrations, often peaceful in daylight hours, have devolved into destructive protests late at night in uptown.

This story was originally published June 3, 2020 at 5:44 PM.