WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — A weeklong curfew is in effect in Baltimore from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. as Baltimore police, strengthened by police from neighboring regions and the Maryland National Guard, patrol the city.
On Monday, protests turned into riots in Baltimore after the funeral of 25-year-old African American man Freddie Gray, who died of a spinal cord injury while in police custody.
Carmelo Anthony returns to hometown of Baltimore to march with protesters http://t.co/Ggsi8NB2VF pic.twitter.com/TJ0wx2Ovce
— For The Win (@ForTheWin) April 30, 2015
“We have community peacekeeper passes for those who want to be mobile during the curfew and for those who want to set the stage to say ‘we got this and we are going to make it happen,’” Augustus said at a National Action Network press conference.
The investigation into Mr. Gray’s death is now in the hands of the State’s Attorney, who will determine whether to file criminal charges.
— Mayor Rawlings-Blake (@MayorSRB) April 30, 2015
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake confirmed that the community peacekeeping program will take place — referring to the peacekeepers as “marshals” — during her speech at the press conference.
“They [US Department of Justice] will discuss some training further of community marshals,” Rawlings-Blake said.
The family of Mr. Gray wants answers. I want answers. Our entire city deserves answers. We will remain vigilant on this path to justice.
— Mayor Rawlings-Blake (@MayorSRB) April 30, 2015
Solidarity protests have erupted throughout the United States, including in New York City, Boston and Washington, DC.