BALTIMORE Violent protesters hurled bricks and torched businesses and cars Monday injuring at least 15 police officers as authorities tried to restore order with an emergency curfew and the National Guard following the funeral for Freddie Gray the 25 year old who died in police custody last week.
At a news conference Monday evening Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony Batts said all the injured officers were expected to recover. In an earlier statement police said 27 individuals had been arrested. At least one civilian appeared to be unconscious and was seen being carried in a blanket by police. HuffPost attempts to reach the department for more information Monday evening were unsuccessful.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) released a statement Monday evening condemning those who were responsible for the violence. He later declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard. National Guard Major General Linda Singh said during a press conference Monday that a full complement of 5 000 troops will be available to patrol the streets of Baltimore. Troops were on the ground in Baltimore as of 11 40 p.m. ET according to Batts.
In a press conference Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake announced a citywide week long curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m starting Tuesday.
What we see tonight ... is very disturbing she said. It is very clear that there's a difference between what we saw last week between the peaceful protests ... and the thugs who only want to incite violence and destroy our city.
Police said violent criminals assailed officers with bricks and rocks through the night and also started fires and looted stores.
Police officers in riot gear chased groups of angry protesters near the Mondawmin Mall earlier. Many of the protesters appeared to be teenagers. Riot fears had prompted the shopping mall to close earlier Monday. Greg Harris a spokesman for the Mondawmin Mall said the mall made the decision in consultation with police and decided to close at least in part because of social media threats that there would be a riot at 3 p.m.
As the hour approached large crowds of police and teenagers gathered outside the mall as a helicopter circled overhead. The teenagers started throwing objects as police fastened riot helmets.
James MacArthur of The Baltimore Spectator which tracks crime and politics in the city tweeted a video from the scene shortly after 3 p.m.
pic.twitter.com/Q9aCU8ct26
Agitator In Chief ( BaltoSpectator) April 27 2015
Later Erica Green a reporter for the Baltimore Sun tweeted a photo of what she said was a badly injured officer
Officer is down. Badly injured. pic.twitter.com/5lCOTJMS2a
Erica L. Green ( EricaLG) April 27 2015
According to the Los Angeles Times police used pepper spray and tear gas on the crowds.
Earlier in the day Baltimore police released a statement saying gangs including the Black Guerilla Family Bloods and Crips were partnering to take out law enforcement.
Gray died last week after suffering serious spinal injuries while in police custody. Six Baltimore police officers involved have been suspended.
See the latest updates from Baltimore below
We are receiving reports of criminals throwing cinder blocks at passing fire engines as they are responding to fires on Fulton Ave.
Baltimore Police ( BaltimorePolice) April 28 2015
Please allow members of the fire department to respond to their calls for service. We are still hearing reports of them being assaulted.
Baltimore Police ( BaltimorePolice) April 28 2015
We are deploying officers with the fire department to ensure fire fighting operations are not disrupted by people w/ no regard for life.
Baltimore Police ( BaltimorePolice) April 28 2015
Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony Batts said police had prepared for Monday's violence but were outnumbered by agitators not involved in protesting.
This is not protesting Batts said during a late night news conference. This is not your First Amendment rights. This is criminal activity.
Batts reiterated a statement by police earlier in the day that Baltimore gangs were planning to kill police officers.
He said National Guard troops were on duty in the city.
Sam Levine
Relatives of Freddie Gray said during a Monday night news conference that those engaged in violence in Baltimore were not honoring Gray who died after suffering a spinal injury in police custody this month.
Freddy Gray mother says I want ya'll to see justice for my son but don't tear up the the city. That's wrong.
nixonron ( nixonron) April 28 2015
Presidential contender Hillary Clinton weighed in on the violent protests gripping Baltimore on her preferred form of social media Monday night Twitter.
Tonight I am praying for peace safety for all in Baltimore for Freddie Gray's family his death is a tragedy that demands answers Clinton said signing the message with H.
Igor Bobic
Tweets by HillaryClintonCAPTION Sam Wirtz an employee at the 7 11 at Centre and Charles Street looks at the damage caused by vandals on Monday April 27 2015 in Baltimore. (Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun/TNS via Getty Images)
CAPTION Alvaro Roman the brother of the owner of Ted's Music on Centre Street looks at the damage caused by vandals on Monday April 27 2015 in Baltimore. (Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun/TNS via Getty Images)
CAPTION Looters empty the CVS at Pennsylvania and North Avenues during riots on Monday April 27 2015 in Baltimore. (Jerry Jackson/Baltimore Sun/TNS via Getty Images)
CAPTION Damage to stores along Centre Street in Baltimore after protesters clashed with police around the city on Monday April 27 2015. (Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun/TNS via Getty Images)
The Baltimore Sun mapped much of the violence and looting that took place across western Baltimore on Monday following the funeral of Freddie Gray.
Igor Bobic
CAPTION Firefighters battle a blaze Monday April 27 2015 after rioters plunged part of Baltimore into chaos torching a pharmacy setting police cars ablaze and throwing bricks at officers. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
CAPTION An officer stands near a blaze Monday April 27 2015 after rioters plunged part of Baltimore into chaos torching a pharmacy setting police cars ablaze and throwing bricks at officers. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
CAPTION WASHINGTON USA APRIL 27 Fire Fighter attempt to put out a building that was set on fire during riots in Baltimore USA on April 27 2015. Protests following the death of Freddie Gray from injuries suffered while in police custody have turned violent with people throwing debris at police and media and burning cars and businesses. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
A fire at a Baltimore senior center is unrelated to the violence following Freddie Gray's funeral Fire Department spokesman Samuel Johnson told The Washington Post
Johnson said that the fire which was first reported at 8 49 p.m. appeared to be related to nearby construction. He did not know what started the fire.
The building was unoccupied when it caught fire he said.
Johnson said that 94 firefighters were on the scene as of about 9 25 p.m.
Mollie Reilly
Baltimore City Public Schools will be closed tomorrow because of unrest spokeswoman says. FreddieGray
Ashley Southall ( assouthall) April 28 2015
The Rev. Donte Hickman pastor of Southern Baptist Church said the burning building was to be 60 unit affordable housing for seniors.
It hurts my heart he said according to journalist Jon Swaine of The Guardian.
Because anarchy. Baltimore ACAB
A photo posted by Michael Charles Morris ( michaelcharles) on Apr 27 2015 at 6 11pm PDT
A new senior center on N Chester is engulfed pic.twitter.com/ra9rDjo821
Mark Puente ( MarkPuente) April 28 2015
Baltimore Fire Fighters getting ready to fight inferno. Residents angry that some one did this. Lots of emotion pic.twitter.com/EQLLMWd28O
Mark Puente ( MarkPuente) April 28 2015
Church bus is also on fire
Mark Puente ( MarkPuente) April 28 2015
FF attacking fire . Lots of raw emotion from worshippers pic.twitter.com/FsRFS8h9xA
Mark Puente ( MarkPuente) April 28 2015
An injured police officer is carried away by his fellow officers on Westbury Avenue in Baltimore during riots on Monday. (Erica Green/Baltimore Sun/TNS via Getty Images)
Attorney General Loretta Lynch released the following statement
I condemn the senseless acts of violence by some individuals in Baltimore that have resulted in harm to law enforcement officers destruction of property and a shattering of the peace in the city of Baltimore. 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 protestors who are working to improve their community for all its residents.
The Department of Justice stands ready to provide any assistance that might be helpful. The Civil Rights Division and the FBI have an ongoing independent criminal civil rights investigation into the tragic death of Mr. Gray. We will continue our careful and deliberate examination of the facts in the coming days and weeks. The department s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services has also been fully engaged in a collaborative review of the Baltimore City Police Department. The department s Community Relations Service has already been on the ground and they are sending additional resources as they continue to work with all parties to reduce tensions and promote the safety of the community. And in the coming days Vanita Gupta head of the Civil Rights Division and Ronald Davis Director of Community Oriented Policing Services will be traveling to Baltimore to meet with faith and community leaders as well as city officials.
As our investigative process continues I strongly urge every member of the Baltimore community to adhere to the principles of nonviolence. In the days ahead I intend to work with leaders throughout Baltimore to ensure that we can protect the security and civil rights of all residents. And I will bring the full resources of the Department of Justice to bear in protecting those under threat investigating wrongdoing and securing an end to violence.
National Guard Maj. Gen. Linda Singh said during a press conference that a full complement of 5 000 troops will be available to patrol the streets of Baltimore. Singh noted that the massive force isn't a declaration of martial law which would mean that the military took complete control of the city.
We urge people to take cover for the night and get some sleep and rest and let things settle down so we can restore order to the city she said. This is not martial law.
Andy Campbell
Maryland Gov. Mike Hogan (R) spoke Monday night after declaring a state of emergency saying it was necessary to deploy the National Guard in Baltimore.
Look people have the right to protest and express their frustration Hogan said. But Baltimore city families deserve peace and safety in their communities. These acts cannot and will not be tolerated.
Hogan noted he spoke with President Barack Obama Monday evening about the protests.
Paige Lavender
Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D Md.) issued a statement Monday on violent demonstrations that followed Freddie Gray's funeral.
Violence is unacceptable no matter who does it she said. Vandalism is unacceptable no matter who does it.
Mikulski a Baltimore native also called for a federal investigation into Gray's death.
I've offered our support to our Mayor. I've asked the Justice Department for an independent investigation that will utilize the forensic capability of the federal government to determine the cause of Freddie Gray's death.
She continued It's time for calm. It's time for the kids to go home. It's time to remember the vast majority of Baltimore's citizens are law abiding.
Mollie Reilly
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake said a weeklong curfew will be extended as necessary. The emergency measure adds to an existing curfew for children 14 and younger starting at 9 p.m. nightly.
What we see tonight ... is very disturbing she said. It is very clear that there s a difference between what we saw last week between the peaceful protests and the thugs who only want to incite violence and destroy our city.
I'm a life long resident of Baltimore. Too many generations have spent their lives building up this city to have it destroyed by thugs who in a very senseless way are trying to tear down what so many have fought for.
Andy Campbell
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake announced during a press conference on Monday evening that the city would impose a curfew from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. for one week.
Samuel Levine
A CCTV America cameraman covering the unrest in Baltimore was robbed and attacked by protesters the network's Jim Spellman reported. Spellman posted a brutal image of the journalist's injuries to Twitter
Our CCTV_America cameraman was just attacked by protestors and his camera stolen. FreddyGray pic.twitter.com/STR6e9LowT
jim spellman ( jimspellmanTV) April 27 2015
CCTV China Central Television is China's predominant state run broadcaster.
Alana Horowitz
Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) a likely presidential contender issued a statement Monday urging the City of Baltimore to come together in the face of violent protests following the funeral of Freddie Gray.
I'm saddened that the City I love is in such pain this night. All of us share a profound feeling of grief for Freddie Gray and his family said O'Malley who previously served as mayor of Baltimore.
We must come together as one City to transform this moment of loss and pain into a safer and more just future for all of Baltimore's people he added.
Igor Bobic
Firefighters prepare to put out a fire at a store Monday April 27 2015 during unrest following the funeral of Freddie Gray in Baltimore. Gray died from spinal injuries about a week after he was arrested and transported in a Baltimore Police Department van. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
About a mile from the Mondawmin mall chaos enveloped the area around West North and Pennsylvania avenues where the flaming wreckage of several vehicles and a burning CVS drugstore filled the air with smoke.
Riot police held their lines as protestors continued to throw rocks and bottles.
Looters walked out of the CVS with armfuls of stuff merchandise before the smoke got too intense and firefighters arrived. HuffPost also saw looters ransacking a corner store.
Crowds of people lined the sidewalks some drinking.
Arthur Delaney
Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D N.C.) chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus said in a statement Monday that he understands the anger over Freddie Gray's death but that violence does nothing to ensure that justice is served.
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus offer our deepest sympathies to the family of Freddie Gray and the Baltimore community during this difficult time. We call for peaceful protests so that additional lives are not lost. We understand people are angry and that the community is upset but violence only distracts us from the justice we seek. Violence does not lead to justice.
The Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the cause of Mr. Gray s death and the CBC supports that investigation. We all play a critical role in helping restore trust in law enforcement and our justice system. The CBC will continue to work with federal state and local governments to ensure this system is fair and impartial. African Americans deserve to be treated equally before the law.
Jennifer Bendery
BREAKING Maryland governor declares state of emergency activates National Guard to help with riot.
The Associated Press ( AP) April 27 2015
Hours after speaking at Freddie Gray's memorial service Rep. Elijah Cummings (D Md.) was standing on the street trying to make sense of the violence and destruction that came in response to the tragedy.
I think people are just very very upset Cummings said on CNN. They are upset certainly about Mr. Gray's death.
Cummings who represents Baltimore in Congress said people are looking for a lot of answers on why Gray died in police custody.
Mr. Gray was arrested without force or without incident he said. Then the public finding out he had a broken neck a crushed larynx and a splintered spinal cord and then he died a week later. That really kind of upset people.
Cummings said he wasn't sure who was behind the rioting. Some may be people genuinely angry about Gray's death he said and others may be people trying to take advantage of what has become a kind of chaotic situation the police are trying to keep under control.
He gave credit to the police for using restraint against protesters even as people threw glass bottles and rocks at them. He said he thinks the police are slowly but surely getting control of the situation as nightfall approaches when the situation could significantly worsen.
White House senior adviser Valerie Jarrett called Cummings earlier Monday and told him the president will help however he can. She also promised that the Justice Department will be looking into the Baltimore police department's handling of Gray.
It's very unfortunate Cummings said looking around the street. I did not think it would come to this.
Jennifer Bendery
Smoke billows from a CVS Pharmacy store in Baltimore on Monday. Demonstrators clashed with police after the funeral of Freddie Gray. Gray died from spinal injuries about a week after he was arrested and transported in a Baltimore Police Department van. (AP Photo/Juliet Linderman)
A police officer throws an object at protestors Monday following the funeral of Freddie Gray in Baltimore. Gray died from spinal injuries about a week after he was arrested and transported in a Baltimore Police Department van. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
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