Obama: ‘Absolutely vital’ that truth comes out in Freddie Gray case
US President Barack Obama says it is “absolutely vital that the truth comes out” about the death of Freddie Gray whose spine was nearly severed while under Baltimore police custody.
Obama made the remarks on Friday at the White House shortly after prosecutors in Baltimore charged six officers with multiple counts including second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of the 25-year-old African-American, who died of severe spinal injuries on April 19, a week after he was arrested and detained by police.
"Justice needs to be served. All the evidence needs to be presented," he said.
Obama also said he had not yet seen the specific charges filed against the Baltimore Police Department officers over the deadly incident, which sparked days of protests across the United States.
"What I think the people of Baltimore want more than anything else is the truth. That's what people around the country expect," Obama said.
Earlier, Baltimore’s state prosecutor Marilyn Mosby told reporters that her office's investigation determined that Gray's death was a homicide, adding that his arrest was illegal and his treatment in custody amounted to murder and manslaughter.
"The findings of our comprehensive, thorough and independent investigation, coupled with the medical examiner's determination that Mr. Gray's death was a homicide, which we received today, has led us to believe that we have probable cause to file criminal charges," Mosby said.
“I assured his family that no one is above the law and I would pursue justice on their behalf,” Mosby said.
She said warrants have been issued for the arrest of the officers over the deadly incident, which sparked days of protests across the United States.
On Thursday night, thousands of Americans again took to the streets to protest the killing of Gray.
Scuffles between police and protesters broke out in Baltimore, Philadelphia and Cincinnati. Several protesters were reportedly injured.
Protests in Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; and Oakland, California, are scheduled for Friday, which is also May Day, or International Workers Day.
GJH/GJH
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