Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake declared a state of emergency on Monday after riots broke out over the death of Freddie Gray. Fire, looting, and violence erupted throughout the city as 1,500 National Guard troops were deployed to restore order. Up to 5,000 troops may be deployed into Baltimore.
Some 27 individuals have been arrested and 15 officers have been injured in the riots. Six of the officers were hospitalized by serious injuries. Police cruisers and buildings, including a newly constructed community building and a CVS, were set ablaze. It is uncertain whether or not the fires in the buildings were directly connected to the riot. When the fire department attempted to put out the flames, some of the protesters cut the fire hoses, spraying water in various directions.
"What we see tonight that is going on in our city is very disturbing. Too many people have spent generations building up this city for it to be destroyed by thugs who -- in a very senseless way -- are trying to tear down what so many have fought for," said the mayor. The protests have caused the mayor to issue a weeklong citywide curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. starting from Tuesday. Public schools in Baltimore will be closed on Tuesday.
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan issued an executive order to protect the citizens of Baltimore and their property. He said that deploying the National Guard was a "last resort."
"Today's looting and acts of violence in Baltimore will not be tolerated," he said. "There is a significant difference between protesting and violence, and those committing these acts will be prosecuted under the fullest extent of the law."
Freddie Gray was a 25-year-old African American who died in police custody on April 19 after being in a coma for a week. His spine was severely damaged during his arrest, which the community claims is a result of unnecessary force by police officers. Hours after his memorial service on Monday, the violence erupted.
Baltimore officers have been attempting to control the riot by keeping formation with riot gear. Allegedly, teenagers have been the main instigators in much of the violence against officers. Protesters threw rocks, bricks, and other objects at law enforcement. A source told Baltimore police earlier in the day that several gangs were joining forces to target police officers during the riots.
President Obama has promised to provide any support that the city may need. Newly confirmed Attorney General Loretta Lynch commented on the violence.
"Those who commit violent actions, ostensibly in protest of the death of Freddie Gray, do a disservice to his family, to his loved ones, and to legitimate peaceful protesters who are working to improve their community for all its residents," said the Attorney General.
