Baltimore is burning. A state of emergency has been declared by Maryland’s governor and the National Guard has been activated in the city after Monday’s funeral for Freddie Gray, who died last week while in police custody, led to protests which eventually spiraled into rioting and looting.
Reports the New York Times:
Gov. Larry Hogan activated the National Guard on Monday and the city of Baltimore announced a curfew for all residents as a turbulent day that began with the funeral of 25-year-old Freddie Gray, the nation’s latest symbol of police brutality, ended with rioting by rock-throwing youths, widespread looting and at least 15 police officers injured.
The violence that shook the city broke out in the late afternoon in the Mondawmin neighborhood of northwest Baltimore, home to the New Shiloh Baptist Church, where more than 2,000 people — politicians, activists, White House officials and civil rights activists including the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Dick Gregory — had gathered for a morning of soaring Gospel music and passionate eulogies for Mr. Gray.
Reportedly at least 27 people have been arrested while CNN reports that six Baltimore officers have been seriously injured.
On Monday afternoon, Baltimore PD announced that gangs, including Crips and Bloods, had posed credible threats to officers.
It is being widely reported that the riots started in central west Baltimore shortly after school let out for the day. While there has been widespread unruliness, there have also been citizens trying to clean up and maintain order in their city.
Schools will be closed tomorrow in Baltimore. See photos of the carnage below and in the following pages.
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Photo: AP Photos
