Walter Scott Funeral: Pastor Claims Scott Died Because Of ‘Racial Prejudice’

Hundreds gathered at the W.O.R.D. Ministries Christian Center in Summerville, South Carolina on Saturday for the funeral of Walter Scott, the man who was killed last week by now former North Charleston police officer Michael Slager. During the service, the pastor who gave the sermon said racism was the reason behind Scott’s death.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Reverend Doctor George D. Hamilton said there was “hatred in that officer’s heart” that led him to shoot and kill Walter Scott as he was running away.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Walter’s death was motivated by racial prejudice. You have got to hate somebody to shoot them in the back. This hate came because Walter was an African American.”

Hamilton later questioned why Slager would then handcuff Scott after he was already killed.

“Why would a cop handcuff a dead man anyhow? This officer is a disgrace to the North Charleston Police Department.”

Hamilton’s sermon was met with approval and chants of “Amen” that could be heard during the funeral service. But Hamilton told the attendees that not all officers are terrible people, and they shall “thank God” for the work that they do.

“[Slager] is a disgrace to all the outstanding police officers who put their lives on the line to protect citizens of this area. We will not indict the entire law enforcement community for the act of a single racist.”

While there were around 500 people in attendance at the funeral for Walter Scott, there was one high-profile figure who was told by the Scott family to not attend the service. As the Inquisitr previously reported, an unnamed source revealed that the family did not want Al Sharpton to attend the funeral or to assist them in any way because they didn’t “want another Ferguson-type circus” in their town.

Attorney Chris Stewart said that while Sharpton was told to not attend the funeral, he did get in contact with Walter Scott’s family.

“The funeral is only going to be close family members. The Reverend Al has called and expressed his support and condolences. The family is very appreciative.”

And while Sharpton was not allowed to attend the funeral, he did give a sermon at the Charity Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston. According to Reuters, Sharpton commended the town’s mayor, R. Keith Summey, for charging Slager with the murder of Walter Scott.

“Rather than duck, the mayor stood up. Maybe now, between a Southern white mayor and a forgiving black mother, maybe this nation will deal with this.”

[Photo by David Goldman -Pool/Getty Images]