South Carolina officer Michael Slager faces murder charge after video shows him shooting black man in the back

This is the moment a police officer shot eight times at a fleeing man, hitting him in the back and killing him.

Patrolman Michael Slager, 33, opened fire on Walter Scott, 50, as he was running from him in Charleston, South Carolina, on Saturday.

Slager was charged with murder after footage of the killing filmed by a bystander emerged.

According to the Charleston Post and Courier, Scott was running from Slager following a traffic stop. There was reportedly a warrant out for his arrest.

Slager reportedly tried to use a Taser on Scott, who ran away. Footage shows the officer letting off eight shots. After the he finished firing, Scott falls to the ground and Slager calls for back-up.

Scott was later pronounced dead at the scene. 

Authorities arrested Slager today, within hours of the footage emerging.

Yesterday, an attoey for Slager issued a statement saying that Slager opened fire because he felt threatened.

The statement, reported by local station WCIV-TV, added that: 'Officer Slager believes he followed all the proper procedures and policies of the North Charleston Police Department'.

In the wake of the murder charges, the lawyer no longer represents him.

A statement initially issued by Slager said that he tued to his gun after Scott wrested the Taser away from him. Slager said he shot Scott because he 'felt threatened' by him. 

Under South Carolina law, Slager could be eligible for the death penalty if convicted of murder.

Killing: Scott, left, was killed by Slager, right. Scott appears to have some kind of military service to his name. Slager is being held in jail on murder charges