The White House said Wednesday video footage showing a white South Carolina police officer appearing to shoot a black suspect in the back multiple times is “awfully hard to watch” and demonstrates why officers should wear body cameras.
Charleston patrolman Michael Thomas Slager was charged murder in connection with the incident Wednesday.
“The video is awfully hard to watch and I think that is the kind of human response we have seen from people all across the country,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest told reporters. “I do think that is an example of how body cameras worn by police officers could have a positive impact in terms of building trust between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.”
Mr. Earnest said he has not spoken to President Obama about the incident but is confident the president has seen the widely circulated video footage. He also said the FBI is investigating the shooting.
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.
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