HomeNewsMayor Summey offers statement on estate of Walter Scott settlement

Mayor Summey offers statement on estate of Walter Scott settlement

Mayor Summey’s statement

City Council has voted to authorize city attorneys to draft the necessary documents to settle all potential claims regarding the death of Walter Scott for $6.5 million.

I am glad the city and the family were able to reach a settlement without the necessity of a lawsuit.

As mayor, I was directly in touch with the Scott family immediately after the tragedy occurred and offered our heartfelt condolences for their loss. We have supported the family and are extremely sorry for their loss.  I have continued to be in contact with the family through our lawyers and their lawyers.  Both sides have met many times and worked very hard over the past several months to resolve this matter.

Immediately after the release of the video, the family took steps to keep the community calm, and for that the city is thankful.

This is a very difficult period for the Scott family.  I know they are glad to have this part behind them so their healing process can continue.

As a result of this tragedy, important issues have been discussed, not only in North Charleston, but around the country.  Citizens have become engaged in this process and government officials are listening.

The city has taken many positive steps over the last several months including outfitting the police force with body cameras.  We engaged the Department of Justice Community Relations Liaison to begin meetings with the North Charleston Police Department and members of the community, and our police department will continue building upon our relationships in the community.

Through numerous meetings between the city and the family’s lawyers, we worked through many issues of concern and both sides believe that positive steps have been taken and relations between the NCPD and the community are improving and will continue to improve.

This settlement is a step in the right direction for the family, the city, the Lowcountry, and our state. This will allow us to move forward and focus on the issues our citizens have elected us to do, advance quality of life and make the future brighter for the citizens of North Charleston.

R. Keith Summey, Mayor
City of North Charleston, SC