Tension grows between mayor, some council members following unrest

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts is facing backlash from some City Council members after comments she made about the police chief’s response to the deadly officer-involved shooting.

The mayor wrote in a Charlotte Observer op-ed that the lack of transparency was unacceptable and called for the Department of Justice to review the Police Department’s use of force procedures.

Roberts then gave Channel 9 a "no comment" when asked if Chief Kerr Putney should resign.

“I am not ready to make a comment,” Roberts said.

It came after Monday night’s fiery City Council meeting over race and police.

Citizens chide Roberts: 'You do not deserve to be mayor of this fine city'

"In all honesty, it was close to the worst tow hours I have had on council," Councilman Kenny Smith said.

Channel 9 spoke to Smith about Roberts comments concerning the police chief.

“She’s dead wrong on that,” Smith said. “I think now is the time we need to stand by the chief. He has done an incredibly admirable job."

“I wouldn’t take a good and decent man who's worked his heart out for his community, and that’s Kerr Putney, and throw him under the bus to cover her,” Councilwoman Claire Fallon said.

Political analyst Michael Bitzer said blame games and finger pointing won’t play well and creates further instability.

“For an elected official, they have to present an image of stability, of calm, even in a very aggravated type of situation,” Bitzer said.

But despite her latest comments, council members Channel 9 spoke to said they don’t think Roberts should resign.

Cox Media Group