Keith Scott shooting: No 'definitive' evidence he pointed gun at cops, chief says

Police bodycam video of the killing of Keith Lamont Scott does not specifically show him pointing his gun at officers before they fatally shot him, Charlotte's police chief said Thursday.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Kerr Putney did not detail the footage during a news conference following a second night of violent unrest, but said the videos he watched fails to show "absolute definitive, visual evidence" that Scott brandished his weapon at the cops.

PHOTOS: Violent Protests Flare for Second Night in Charlotte

"I didn't see that in the videos I saw," Putney said, but reiterated that the clips appear to back up police.

"What I can tell you, though, is when taken in the totality of all the other evidence, it supports what we've heard and the version of the truth that we gave about the circumstances that happened that led to the death of Mr. Scott," he added.

Putney told reporters he will show Scott's family any bodycam or dashcam videos from when he was killed, honoring their request. But he stood firm in his refusal to make the video public, telling reporters he wants to be "very intentional in protecting the integrity of the investigation."

When asked repeatedly by reporters if showing the video would help ease tensions that have led to the nightly clashes, the police chief said he would only release it "if there's a compelling reason." He added that a possible federal investigation could hider putting it out.

"If you say we should release a victim's worst day for public consumption, that is not the transparency I'm speaking of," Putney said.

See photos from the protest in Charlotte:

North Carolina's governor declared a state of emergency just before midnight Wednesday after one person was shot in a protester-on-protester clash. The victim suffered life-threatening injuries and remained in critical condition Thursday morning, Putney said. Investigators are trying to determine who was behind the shooting amid claims that an officer was involved.

Police arrested 44 people on charges, including for failure to disperse, assault, and breaking and entering.

"We will continue to review the video footage ... and will not rest until all people are brought to justice," Putney said.

Charlotte has been roiled by flaring protests — including the damaging of businesses and looting — following the death of Scott, a 43-year-old African-American father.

Three of the officers involved in his shooting were wearing bodycams, although the officer who fired the fatal shot was not, Putney said.

Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts said Thursday that she had not seen the video and that it wouldn't be released publicly while the investigation is ongoing.

Community members and activists say it should be viewed in order to clear up discrepancies between the police's account and the family's version.

Police said they were searching for someone else to serve a warrant on Thursday afternoon while at a townhouse complex just south of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Scott was walking from his truck holding a handgun, they said, and during a confrontation did not comply with multiple warnings to put down the weapon.

But his family and other witnesses say he was not armed and was reading a book when he was shot.

A photo taken by a witness and obtained by NBC affiliate WCNC appears to show a gun on the ground near Scott's body moments after the shooting.

Police said they recovered a weapon but no book.

The CMPD officer who shot Scott — identified as Brentley Vinson, 26 and also African-American — has been placed on paid administrative leave, as is standard procedure.

The protests in Charlotte on Wednesday began with a "peaceful" prayer vigil at 6 p.m. followed by a march downtown that grew increasingly agitated, Putney said.

The National Guard and State Highway Patrol troopers were deployed to help local police after Gov. Pat McCrory declared a state of emergency.

The officers wore riot gear and marched in formation as demonstrators shouted over megaphones and some physical altercations broke out between protesters. Police dispersed tear gas to break up the swelling crowds around the Omni hotel, where the one protester was shot.

"Protesters continued to damage property and throw objects and assault our officers," Putney said.

Two officers were struck in the eyes and three officers had to be treated for heat-related injuries, he added.

Damaged businesses continued to clean up Thursday morning. The mayor said the city remained "open for business as usual" and there were no plans to impose a curfew for Thursday night.

The National Guard and state troopers would again be on hand for additional demonstrations, officials added.

Details emerge about Charlotte shooting: