Maryland Gov. Calls National Guard as State of Emergency is Declared
Seven police officers have been injured during protests in Baltimore, which have escalated into a violent clash between law enforcement and rioters, according to reports.
The riot started just hours after the funeral for Freddie Gray, who died from a severe spinal injury he suffered in police custody.
The post-funeral demonstrations became more tumultuous as the afternoon wore on, with a police car and van being torched and several storefront windows broken. A CVS pharmacy, which had been looted after its windows were smashed, was then set ablaze.
Shortly after the clashes broke out, the governor of Maryland declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard to help with the violence and rioting in Baltimore.
Monday's riot was the latest flare-up over the death of Freddie Gray, whose fatal encounter with officers came amid the national debate over police use of force, especially when black suspects are involved.
"You're going to see tear gas. You're going to see pepper balls. We're going to use appropriate methods to make sure we preserve the safety of that community," Captain Kowalczyk said during a televised news conference. "Our officers are working as quickly and as orderly as they can to being about order in the area of Mondawmin."
Police urged parents to locate their children and bring them home. Many of those on the streets appeared to be African-American youths, wearing backpacks and khaki pants that are a part of many public school uniforms.
