VIDEO: Maryland Governor Says There Will Be No Rioting Tonight
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said at a news conference today the immediate need is to restore calm in Baltimore and that the city is well on its way. "We're not going to have a repeat of last night," Hogan said. "It's not going to happen tonight."
Last night the governor ordered the Maryland National Guard to the city. National Guard troops were deployed in front of Baltimore City Hall this morning and a state of emergency was issued after violence erupted in the city Monday afternoon. About 500 guardsmen are supporting law enforcement in Baltimore, Maryland National Guard spokesman Lt. Col. Charles Kohler told ABC News. He added there are plans to increase the troop presence to 2,000.
Police in Baltimore said 235 people were arrested Monday, including 34 juveniles. Seven adults and five juveniles were arrested today.
Numerous fires were reported overnight and Baltimore police reported people throwing cinder blocks at fire engines as firefighters worked to extinguish the flames. Fifteen structure fires and 144 vehicle fires were reported, according to Howard Libit, director of strategic planning and policy at the Mayor's Office.
Baltimore City Public Schools were closed today and tonight's baseball game at Oriole Park between the Orioles and the Chicago White Sox has been postponed to May 28. Wednesday's game between the Orioles and the White Sox will be closed to the public.
Monday’s rioting began near the Mondawmin Mall in the northwest part of the city, the Baltimore Police Department said, as the group threw bricks, rocks and other objects at officers. Protesters were seen climbing on a police cruiser and damaging several others, and fires broke out, including flames that engulfed a community center project.
At least 20 officers were injured, police said.
The unrest was sparked by the death of Freddie Gray, who died after being in police custody. Gray’s mother, speaking the night of the 25-year-old’s funeral, made a plea for peace.
“I want you all to get justice for my son, but don’t do it like this here. Don’t tear up the whole city just for him,” Gloria Darden said. “It’s wrong.”
