Jury Selection for First Officer's Trial in Freddie Gray Case Punctuated by Protests

A small group of protesters gathered outside the Baltimore courthouse on Monday morning as jury selection began in the trial of Officer William Porter, one of the six Baltimore police officers charged in the arrest and death of Freddie Gray, reports the Baltimore Sun .

"All night, all day, we gonna fight for Freddie Gray!" demonstrators chanted.

They held signs that said "Stop Racism Now!" and "Baltimore Stands with Minneapolis & Chicago!"

Participants in the rally called for investment in Baltimore communities and said they stood with protesters against police violence around the nation.

Just before 10 a.m., more than 70 prospective jurors were led into a fourth floor courtroom at the Mitchell Courthouse, where they were questioned by Judge Barry Williams, reports WBAL News Radio .

Porter is charged with manslaughter, second degree assault, misconduct in office, and reckless endangerment. He could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted. He has been free on bail since his arrest.

Judge Williams told the potential jurors that he would expect opening arguments in the case to begin "in a day or two," and he would expect the trial to conclude no later than December 17.