Michael Jordan Comments on Unrest in Charlotte

Charles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press

Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan released a statement Thursday offering condolences to the family of Keith Lamont Scott and commenting on the ongoing civil unrest in Charlotte.

Jordan said in a press release: 

First, I want to express my condolences to the Scott family for their loss. I also wish for a full recovery to those who have been injured. 

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. 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 more trust, transparency and understanding so we can heal and grow together as a community.

Scott, a 43-year-old black man, was shot and killed by police Tuesday. He was stopped by officers who were searching for another man with an outstanding warrant, per Fox News. 

Scott has become another symbol of unnecessary police force against people of color. Scott's death came in the same week as video of a Tulsa police officer shooting and killing Terence Crutcher, another black male, made headlines. 

The hashtag #KeithScott has intermittently trended, and violent protests have broken out in Charlotte streets. As of publication, five police officers and nine citizens have been injured amid the uproar, according to WSOCTV.com. Governor Pat McCrory has declared a state of emergency.

The Hornets team shop was vandalized during the demonstrations, causing "extensive damage."

Jordan previously offered his thoughts on the distrust between police and its citizenry earlier this summer, pledging $1 million to the Institute for Community-Police Relations and another million to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

Jordan said the following to The Undefeated in July:

✨ Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content

As a proud American, a father who lost his own dad in a senseless act of violence, and a black man, I have been deeply troubled by the deaths of African-Americans at the hands of law enforcement and angered by the cowardly and hateful targeting and killing of police officers. I grieve with the families who have lost loved ones, as I know their pain all too well.

Jordan's father, James Jordan, was murdered by two teenagers in 1993.    

Follow Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) on Twitter.