Freddie Gray protesters defy Baltimore curfew, several arrested
Baltimore residents have continued to hold peaceful protests over the death of African-American Freddie Gray in police custody, defying a state-imposed curfew for the fifth night in a row.
On Saturday night, many protesters remained in the streets after the curfew went into effect at 10 pm, some of whom were arrested a brief time later.
Community members called for an end to the curfew which began Tuesday night. "For five days now people have been under curfew," Jay Morrison of the YMC Community Coalition told CNN. "I think we need to put trust in the people. This curfew should be lifted."
Maryland National Guard General Linda Singh said she was willing to send troops, who are under her command, back home as long as peace is restored to the city.
"I want to make sure we can close out tonight in a safe, peaceful ... manner," she said. "My focus is ensuring we keep everything in a safe manner ... and we the military will pull out in the same manner we pulled in ... very calm."
On Friday night, 53 people were arrested, 15 of whom for violating the curfew.
Earlier, thousands gathered outside Baltimore City Hall amid the presence of heavily-armed police and National Guard troops.
Thousands of troops and police, carrying assault rifles, had barricaded City Hall and set up checkpoints in anticipation of the rally.
Freddie Gray, 25, died of a severe spine injury on April 19, a week after he was arrested and detained by Baltimore police. Six police officers, who were involved in Gray’s arrest, were suspended over the incident.
Baltimore's chief prosecutor said Friday that Gray “suffered a severe and critical neck injury as a result of being handcuffed, shackled by his feet and unrestrained” by the arresting officers.
Marilyn J. Mosby also announced that the six officers were charged in the high-profile death of Gray.
Following the announcement, people took to the streets marching, singing, dancing and shouting slogans against police brutality and racism.
The demonstrators shouted, "It is right to rebel," and "Stop racist police terror."
AT/HRJ
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