Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan signed an executive order Monday (April 27) declaring a state of emergency amid riots taking place in Baltimore, and also activated the National Guard.
According to reports, city officials say about 15 officers have sustained bruises and some broken bones, while many stores have been looted and ransacked and police cars torched due to the violence in the northwest region of the city.
“I have not made this decision lightly,” Hogan said. “The National Guard is the last resort in order to restore order. .?.?. People have a right to protest and express their frustration, but Baltimore City families deserve peace and safety.”
Peaceful protesters took to the streets after 25 year old Freddie Gray was arrested April 12 for unknown reasons and then died April 19 from spinal injuries, received while in police custody. The six officers involved have been suspended.
The riots, which the Washington Post reports, did not appear to stem from any organized protest surrounding Gray’s death, have caused significant damage to the city, including the breaking in of a check cashing and the looting of a nearby CVS.
I have been closely monitoring the situation in Baltimore City and have been in contact with Mayor Stephanie…
Posted by Larry Hogan on Monday, April 27, 2015