Michael Jordan has called for cooler heads to prevail, following consecutive nights of protests that gave way to violence and destruction in downtown Charlotte. Through a statement put out on Thursday afternoon [September 22], Jordan expressed condolences to the family of Keith Lamont Scott, and sent regards to those who who've been injured amid the lawlessness. He then pleaded for demonstrators to commit to a unifying means of dissent, with respects to the recent tragedies involving the shooting of Black men by police in North Carolina and Oklahoma.

"In light of the tragic events of the past three days, it is more important than ever that we restore calm and come together, as a community in peaceful demonstration and conversation, and in constructive and non-violent ways," stated Jordan, before speaking on behalf of the city's basketball franchise. "As part of the fabric of Charlotte, the Hornets organization is committed to working with civic leaders, our elected leaders and law enforcement to foster most trust, transparency and understanding so we can heal and grow together as a community."

Scenes of enraged citizens confronting and throwing objects at police in riot gear began to saturate the media, hours after the 43-year-old Scott was shot in the seat of his car on Tuesday. By Wednesday night, came images of rioters causing destruction to businesses, and reporters being roughed up, as officials lost control of the uprising, and the district was shut down. At least one person was critically injured and four officers were hurt. Authorities continue to investigate the Scott shooting, with officials claiming to have reviewed footage that proves he was armed, in support of officer Brentley Vinson's claim that his life was threatened. The victim's family disputes Vinson's story, saying that Scott had been waiting for his son to return from school, with a book in his hand.

Followers of headlines dating back to the shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile in July, will recall Jordan gaining the hearts of many for speaking out against police violence in an open letter titled, "I can no longer stay silent."

Source: nydailynews.com