Police Throw Rocks Back At Protesters In Baltimore

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Severity Level 4 Social Crisis, Violence

> http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/27/police-throw-rocks-baltimore_n_7156614.html <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/27/police-throw-rocks-baltimore_n_7156614.html>
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> Police Throw Rocks Back At Protesters In Baltimore
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> Baltimore police officers targeted by rock-throwing protesters <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/27/freddie-gray-protest-mall_n_7154708.html> on Monday appeared to hurl projectiles toward crowds on at least two occasions.
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> One photo shows a projectile, possibly a rock or piece of concrete, leaving an officer's hand.
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> (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
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> Video taken from a helicopter appears to show another officer hurling objects toward protesters, including many who appeared to be teenagers.
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> At least seven officers were injured Monday <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/27/baltimore-officers-injured-_n_7155564.html> as protesters launched rocks, bricks and other objects at police. Some of the projectiles were reportedly heavy enough to break police riot shields. Baltimore police Capt. Eric Kowalczyk said one of the officers who had been hit was "unresponsive," and others had "broken bones."
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> Kowalczyk suggested police would deploy traditional riot-dispersing tools. "You're gonna see tear gas, you're gonna see pepper balls," he said.
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> Police didn't immediately answer a request for comment about the photos of officers throwing projectiles.
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> On Monday morning, mourners gathered for the funeral of 25-year-old Freddie Gray, who sustained a fatal spinal injury in Baltimore Police custody earlier this month. He was arrested for running away from officers, and was placed in the back of a police van without a seatbelt, a violation of department policy. Video of his arrest and questions about his death had led to multiple rounds of mostly peaceful protests throughout the city before Monday.
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> See the latest updates from Baltimore below:
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> Today 8:39 AM EDT
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> The Overnight Damage Tally
> Fifteen structure fires, 144 vehicle fires, and nearly 200 arrests in Baltimore unrest, mayor's office says http://t.co/xUCPLRZx6Z <http://t.co/xUCPLRZx6Z>
> — The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) April 28, 2015 <https://twitter.com/BostonGlobe/status/593029653360676864>
> Today 8:10 AM EDT
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> Governor: Police From Around Maryland Will Assist In Baltimore
> Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) briefed the media Tuesday morning after meeting with Baltimore police.
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> The Washington Post's Justin Jouvenal reports <https://twitter.com/jjouvenal/status/593021703460126720> the governor said county police and state troopers from around the state will help National Guard troops in Baltimore.
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> -- Sara Bondioli
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> Today 8:00 AM EDT
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> Volunteers Help With Cleanup
> Justin Jouvenal <https://twitter.com/jjouvenal> of The Washington Post tweeted Tuesday morning that volunteers were on the streets in Baltimore to help clean up debris.
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> Today 6:05 AM EDT
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> City To Send Counselors To Area Schools
> Officials from the Baltimore City School District announced on Monday that crisis counselors and mental health professionals will be made available at schools <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/27/baltimore-schools-freddie-gray_n_7156558.html> throughout the city for "as long as it is necessary."
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> "At this time of tension and anxiety regarding the tragic events surrounding Mr. Freddie Gray, we have a heightened responsibility to our students, families, and school communities," said school district leaders.
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> For more, click here <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/27/baltimore-schools-freddie-gray_n_7156558.html>.
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> --Rebecca Klein
> Today 5:07 AM EDT
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> Signs Of Rioting In Baltimore
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> Today 1:27 AM EDT
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> Firefighters Reportedly Attacked In Baltimore
> Today 12:00 AM EDT
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> Baltimore Police Commissioner: 'This Is Not Protesting'
> Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony Batts said police had prepared for Monday's violence, but were outnumbered by agitators not involved in protesting.
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> "This is not protesting," Batts said during a late-night news conference. "This is not your First Amendment rights. This is criminal activity."
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> Batts reiterated a statement by police earlier in the day that Baltimore gangs were planning to kill police officers.
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> He said National Guard troops were on duty in the city.
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> -- Sam Levine
> 04/27/2015 11:32 PM EDT
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> Freddie Gray's Family Renews Appeal For Peace
> Relatives of Freddie Gray said during a Monday night news conference that those engaged in violence in Baltimore were not honoring Gray, who died after suffering a spinal injury in police custody this month.
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> 04/27/2015 10:51 PM EDT
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> Hillary Clinton: Death Of Freddie Gray 'Demands Answers'
> Presidential contender Hillary Clinton weighed in on the violent protests gripping Baltimore on her preferred form of social media Monday night -- Twitter.
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> "Tonight I am praying for peace & safety for all in Baltimore, & for Freddie Gray's family - his death is a tragedy that demands answers," Clinton said, signing the message with "-H."
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> -- Igor Bobic
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> 04/27/2015 10:32 PM EDT
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> Photos Of Looting, Destruction
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> CAPTION:Sam Wirtz, an employee at the 7-11 at Centre and Charles Street, looks at the damage caused by vandals on Monday, April 27, 2015, in Baltimore. (Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun/TNS via Getty Images)
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> CAPTION: Alvaro Roman, the brother of the owner of Ted's Music on Centre Street, looks at the damage caused by vandals on Monday, April 27, 2015, in Baltimore. (Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun/TNS via Getty Images)
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> CAPTION: Looters empty the CVS at Pennsylvania and North Avenues during riots on Monday, April 27, 2015, in Baltimore. (Jerry Jackson/Baltimore Sun/TNS via Getty Images)
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> CAPTION: Damage to stores along Centre Street in Baltimore after protesters clashed with police around the city on Monday, April 27, 2015. (Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun/TNS via Getty Images)
> 04/27/2015 10:31 PM EDT
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> Map Of Riots Across Baltimore
> The Baltimore Sun mapped <http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bal-map-mondays-violence-20150427-htmlstory.html> much of the violence and looting that took place across western Baltimore on Monday, following the funeral of Freddie Gray.
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> -- Igor Bobic
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> 04/27/2015 9:49 PM EDT
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> Baltimore Fire Photos
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> CAPTION: Firefighters battle a blaze, Monday, April 27, 2015, after rioters plunged part of Baltimore into chaos, torching a pharmacy, setting police cars ablaze and throwing bricks at officers. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
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> CAPTION: An officer stands near a blaze, Monday, April 27, 2015, after rioters plunged part of Baltimore into chaos, torching a pharmacy, setting police cars ablaze and throwing bricks at officers. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
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> CAPTION: WASHINGTON, USA - APRIL 27: Fire Fighter attempt to put out a building that was set on fire during riots in Baltimore, USA on April 27, 2015. Protests following the death of Freddie Gray from injuries suffered while in police custody have turned violent with people throwing debris at police and media and burning cars and businesses. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
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> 04/27/2015 9:42 PM EDT
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> Official: Senior Center Fire Unrelated To Riots
> A fire at a Baltimore senior center is unrelated <http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/liveblog-live/liveblog/live-updates-riots-in-baltimore/> to the violence following Freddie Gray's funeral, Fire Department spokesman Samuel Johnson told The Washington Post:
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> Johnson said that the fire, which was first reported at 8:49 p.m., appeared to be related to nearby construction. He did not know what started the fire.
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> The building was unoccupied when it caught fire, he said.
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> Johnson said that 94 firefighters were on the scene as of about 9:25 p.m.
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> -- Mollie Reilly
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> 04/27/2015 9:40 PM EDT
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> Baltimore City Closes Schools Tuesday
> 04/27/2015 9:31 PM EDT
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> Burning Building 'Hurts My Heart'
> The Rev. Donte Hickman, pastor of Southern Baptist Church, said the burning building was to be 60-unit affordable housing for seniors. <http://t.co/jYXuMMDtBx>
> "It hurts my heart," he said, according to journalist Jon Swaine of The Guardian. <https://twitter.com/jonswaine/status/592861396695699456>
> 04/27/2015 9:17 PM EDT
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> WATCH: Baltimore Mayor Decries 'Thugs'
> 04/27/2015 9:16 PM EDT
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> Baltimore Is Burning
> 04/27/2015 9:15 PM EDT
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> Baltimore Sun Reporter Tweets Photos Of Church On Fire
> 04/27/2015 9:14 PM EDT
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> Injured Officer Carried To Safety
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> An injured police officer is carried away by his fellow officers on Westbury Avenue in Baltimore during riots on Monday. (Erica Green/Baltimore Sun/TNS via Getty Images)
> 04/27/2015 9:10 PM EDT
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> Attorney General Loretta Lynch Issues Statement
> Attorney General Loretta Lynch released the following statement:
> “I condemn the senseless acts of violence by some individuals in Baltimore that have resulted in harm to law enforcement officers, destruction of property and a shattering of the peace in the city of Baltimore. Those who commit violent actions, ostensibly in protest of the death of Freddie Gray, do a disservice to his family, to his loved ones, and to legitimate peaceful protestors who are working to improve their community for all its residents.
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> “The Department of Justice stands ready to provide any assistance that might be helpful. The Civil Rights Division and the FBI have an ongoing, independent criminal civil rights investigation into the tragic death of Mr. Gray. We will continue our careful and deliberate examination of the facts in the coming days and weeks. The department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services has also been fully engaged in a collaborative review of the Baltimore City Police Department. The department’s Community Relations Service has already been on the ground, and they are sending additional resources as they continue to work with all parties to reduce tensions and promote the safety of the community. And in the coming days, Vanita Gupta, head of the Civil Rights Division, and Ronald Davis, Director of Community Oriented Policing Services, will be traveling to Baltimore to meet with faith and community leaders, as well as city officials.
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> “As our investigative process continues, I strongly urge every member of the Baltimore community to adhere to the principles of nonviolence. In the days ahead, I intend to work with leaders throughout Baltimore to ensure that we can protect the security and civil rights of all residents. And I will bring the full resources of the Department of Justice to bear in protecting those under threat, investigating wrongdoing, and securing an end to violence.”
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> 04/27/2015 9:07 PM EDT
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> National Guard: 'This Is NOT Martial Law'
> National Guard Maj. Gen. Linda Singh said during a press conference that a "full complement" of 5,000 troops will be available to patrol the streets of Baltimore. Singh noted that the "massive force" isn't a declaration of martial law, which would mean that the military took complete control of the city.
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> "We urge people to take cover for the night, and get some sleep and rest and let things settle down so we can restore order to the city," she said. "This is not martial law."
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> -- Andy Campbell
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> 04/27/2015 9:04 PM EDT
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> Maryland Governor: Violent Acts 'Cannot And Will Not Be Tolerated'
> Maryland Gov. Mike Hogan (R) spoke Monday night after declaring a state of emergency, saying it was necessary to deploy the National Guard in Baltimore.
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> “Look, people have the right to protest and express their frustration," Hogan said. "But Baltimore city families deserve peace and safety in their communities. These acts… cannot and will not be tolerated."
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> Hogan noted he spoke with President Barack Obama Monday evening about the protests.
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> -- Paige Lavender
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> 04/27/2015 8:12 PM EDT
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> Mikulski: 'Violence Is Unacceptable No Matter Who Does It'
> Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) issued a statement Monday on violent demonstrations that followed Freddie Gray's funeral.
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> "Violence is unacceptable no matter who does it," she said. "Vandalism is unacceptable no matter who does it."
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> Mikulski, a Baltimore native, also called for a federal investigation into Gray's death.
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> "I've offered our support to our Mayor. I've asked the Justice Department for an independent investigation that will utilize the forensic capability of the federal government to determine the cause of Freddie Gray's death."
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> She continued: "It's time for calm. It's time for the kids to go home. It's time to remember the vast majority of Baltimore's citizens are law abiding."
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> -- Mollie Reilly
> 04/27/2015 8:11 PM EDT
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> Baltimore Mayor Deplores 'Thugs'
> Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said a weeklong curfew will be "extended as necessary." The emergency measure adds to an existing curfew for children 14 and younger, starting at 9 p.m. nightly.
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> "What we see tonight ... is very disturbing," she said. "It is very clear that there’s a difference between what we saw last week between the peaceful protests … and the thugs, who only want to incite violence and destroy our city.
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> "I'm a life-long resident of Baltimore. Too many generations have spent their lives building up this city to have it destroyed by thugs, who in a very senseless way are trying to tear down what so many have fought for."
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> -- Andy Campbell
> 04/27/2015 8:09 PM EDT
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> Baltimore Imposes Curfew
> Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced during a press conference on Monday evening that the city would impose a curfew from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. for one week.
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> -- Samuel Levine
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> 04/27/2015 8:03 PM EDT
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> TV Cameraman Reportedly Attacked By Protesters
> A CCTV America cameraman covering the unrest in Baltimore was robbed and attacked by protesters, the network's Jim Spellman reported. Spellman posted a brutal image of the journalist's injuries to Twitter:
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> CCTV -- China Central Television -- is China's predominant state-run broadcaster.
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> -- Alana Horowitz
> 04/27/2015 7:52 PM EDT
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> Martin O'Malley 'Saddened' By Violence In Baltimore
> Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D), a likely presidential contender, issued a statement Monday urging the City of Baltimore to "come together" in the face of violent protests following the funeral of Freddie Gray.
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> "I'm saddened that the City I love is in such pain this night. All of us share a profound feeling of grief for Freddie Gray and his family," said O'Malley, who previously served as mayor of Baltimore.
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> "We must come together as one City to transform this moment of loss and pain into a safer and more just future for all of Baltimore's people," he added.
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> -- Igor Bobic
> 04/27/2015 7:28 PM EDT
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> Baltimore Fire Crews Attack Store Blaze
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> Firefighters prepare to put out a fire at a store, Monday, April 27, 2015, during unrest following the funeral of Freddie Gray in Baltimore. Gray died from spinal injuries about a week after he was arrested and transported in a Baltimore Police Department van. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
> 04/27/2015 7:26 PM EDT
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> Chaos In Downtown Baltimore
> About a mile from the Mondawmin mall, chaos enveloped the area around West North and Pennsylvania avenues, where the flaming wreckage of several vehicles and a burning CVS drugstore filled the air with smoke.
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> Riot police held their lines as protestors continued to throw rocks and bottles.
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> Looters walked out of the CVS with armfuls of stuff merchandise before the smoke got too intense and firefighters arrived. HuffPost also saw looters ransacking a corner store.
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> Crowds of people lined the sidewalks, some drinking.
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> -- Arthur Delaney
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> 04/27/2015 7:15 PM EDT
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> Congressional Black Caucus Chairman: 'Violence Does Not Lead To Justice'
> Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.), chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, said in a statement Monday that he understands the anger over Freddie Gray's death, but that violence does nothing to ensure that justice is served.
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> "Members of the Congressional Black Caucus offer our deepest sympathies to the family of Freddie Gray and the Baltimore community during this difficult time. We call for peaceful protests so that additional lives are not lost. We understand people are angry and that the community is upset, but violence only distracts us from the justice we seek. Violence does not lead to justice.
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> “The Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the cause of Mr. Gray’s death and the CBC supports that investigation. We all play a critical role in helping restore trust in law enforcement and our justice system. The CBC will continue to work with federal, state and local governments to ensure this system is fair and impartial. African Americans deserve to be treated equally before the law.”
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> -- Jennifer Bendery
> 04/27/2015 7:12 PM EDT
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> Maryland Governor Activates National Guard
> Also on HuffPost:
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