Protester shot in the head during Wednesday night riots in Charlotte dies in hospital

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The demonstrator who was shot in the head during Wednesday night's riots in Charlotte has died.

Justin Carr, 26, died on Thursday after being critically wounded during the unrest over the shooting of Keith Lamont Scott by a police officer.

Carr was shot as protesters clashed with police in riot gear lined arm-in-arm protecting the Omni Hotel at about 8.30pm. 

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Justin Carr, 26, died on Thursday after being critically wounded during the unrest over the shooting of Keith Lamont Scott by a police officer

City officials say Carr was not shot by an officer, but some protesters have claimed that he was wounded by a cop.

No arrests have been made in Carr's death, but a homicide investigation has been launched.  

Police Chief Kerr Putney says the detectives are determined to find who fired the fatal shots.

Among those who question the city's account of Carr's shooting is the Charlotte Clergy Coalition for Justice.

Several coalition members were just 10 feet from the victim when he was shot, according to the Charlotte Observer.

'I saw the man go down on the pavement,' Minister Steve Knight of Missiongathering Christian Church in Charlotte said.

'It was an ambush. The victim was shot while he stood between two ministers, and we believe he was shot by police.' 

Knight added: 'We would like to see surveillance video from the surrounding area that may have captured the shooting to determine who was responsible for the shooting.'

Carr was shot as protesters clashed with police in riot gear lined arm-in-arm protecting the Omni Hotel at about 8.30pm

City officials say Carr was not shot by an officer, but some protesters have claimed that he was wounded by a cop

Meanwhile, about 100 protesters have gathered at a park in uptown Charlotte, launching a third night of demonstrations over the fatal shooting of father-of-seven Scott.

As nightfall approached, the protesters formed a circle and chanted several slogans, including 'We believe that we will win.' 

Some of them wrapped bandanas around their faces to protect themselves from tear gas.

About 50 feet away, about a dozen Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers sat on bicycles observing the protesters.

Camouflage Humvees carrying National Guard members patrolled downtown interspersed with civilian vehicles. 

A peaceful protest turned into a riot in Charlotte on Wednesday night as demonstrators clashed with police in riot gear

Guard members with fatigues and rifles walked through a plaza near the headquarters of Bank of America.

But at 8.30pm, without any sign of violence, police declared an illegal assembly at the junction of Trade and Tryon Streets. 

On Wednesday, they had waited until rocks were thrown and after Carr had been shot to make such an announcement.

Police in riot gear emerged at the corner clearly ready to pre-empt the violence of the night before. 

Meanwhile, Scott's family have urged for those who wish to protest to do so peacefully after a prayer vigil descended into riots on Wednesday.

In a statement on Thursday, Reykia Scott said she is devastated by the death of her husband and understands people's frustrations. 

But she said that hurting people or damaging property is not the answer.

The Scott family's comments come after a second night of unrest in Charlotte after the fatal shooting. 

Police said 44 people were arrested on Wednesday night for a variety of crimes such as assault, breaking and entering, and failure to disperse. 

At least 11 people, including two cops, were taken to hospital.

Scores of rioters attacked reporters and others, set fires and smashed the windows of hotels, office buildings and restaurants in bustling downtown Charlotte. 

North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory declared a state of emergency and called in the National Guard after the clashes.