Charlotte, N.C. continues to be rocked by riots and protests in the wake of the fatal shooting of 43-year-old Keith Lamont Scott.

With news of Scott's death spreading throughout the Black Lives Matter community, there has been a series of riots throughout Charlotte, mainly targeted at police officers. 16 officers have been injured, including one who has been hit in the face with a rock.

Protests began after the news of a police officer, who was African American, fatally shooting Scott. The 43-year-old had initially been reported as just wielding a book, but Charlotte police have now confirmed that there was no book involved. In fact, they said, he was wielding a gun.

"I can tell you we did not find a book that has been referenced to," Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Chief Kerr Putney said, according to the Charlotte Observer. "We did find a weapon. The weapon was there and witnesses have corroborated it, beyond just the officers."

He added, "[Scott] did have a weapon when he exited the vehicle. Officers were giving loud, clear verbal commands. The suspect exited the vehicle with a handgun, threatening officers."

Putney also noted that they are prepared for more protests, hoping they will be more peaceful. "We'll be prepared for whatever we see...We're hoping for best but will be prepared for the worst."

Additionally, the police chief suggested that it was time to "change the narrative, because I can tell you from the facts that the story's a little bit different as to how it's been portrayed so far, especially through social media."

Civil rights activists have also called on the community to boycott white-owned businesses in Charlotte. Scott's mother, Vernita Walker said in a statement Wednesday that he had seven children.

"He was a family man," she explained. "And he was a likable person. And he loved his wife and his children."

Tags: Charlotte riots Keith Lamont Scott Black Lives Matter