Chief Walker addresses officerinvolved shooting, releases body cam video
Nov 22, 2024
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The Charleston Police Department released body camera videos Friday morning that appeared to show a suspect pointing a gun before he was shot by officers.
Chief Chito Walker addressed what he could about Thursday’s officer-involved shooting. He said additional information would come from the State Law Enforcement Division, as they are the lead investigating agency.
Officers responded to the intersection of King Street and Line Street just before 10 a.m. Thursday for a physical altercation between two men. One of the men held up a firearm and pointed it in the direction of the second individual – the interaction was seen in the provided videos.
“As a result, two of our officers discharged their service weapons, striking the armed individual,” said Chief Walker. “Officers on scene immediately rendered medical aid to the individual at that point, who was then transported to a local hospital. He was later pronounced deceased.”
Charleston County Coroner Bobbi Jo O'Neal identified the man as 37-year-old Andrew Williams of Charleston. O'Neal said Williams died at the Medical University of South Carolina at 10:47 a.m.
None of the officers were injured.
Video began circulating Thursday from an individual who witnessed the shooting. News 2 asked Charleston PD about that video after receiving it – they sent us the following response at the time: “We have seen this video and it only shows a small portion of the altercation. More details will be released tomorrow.”
Chief Walker addressed the video saying he understood the footage “can raise questions” and said it was important to note that the video lacked important context. He felt it was necessary to provide clarity and show a portion of the officer’s body-worn camera footage.
“Let me emphasize these are excerpts and the video will stop a moment before the shooting occurs. I do this out of respect for the gravity of the situation and the fact that this is not just a critical incident, but a loss of life,” said Chief Walker. “A family is grieving, and we recognize that a loss is being felt.”
He went on to say, “Moments like this weigh heavily on me. This is a situation no one wanted, neither the officers, our community, nor the family of the individual that was involved. Our officers faced a split-second decision in a very dangerous situation. And they are now to carry the immense weight of that moment. These incidents remind us of the challenges and significance of public safety work.”
Chief Walker said they are fully committed to cooperating with SLED throughout the investigation while providing updates when appropriate.
He said the officers involved in the shooting are receiving necessary support. “They're doing as best as possible in the circumstances,” he said.