For the last two weeks, the city of Baltimore has been the scene for protests and riots over the death of Freddie Gray while he was in police custody. State attorney Marilyn Mosby received the results of the police investigation on Friday, May 1st and shortly after announced that six officers involved in the incident will be prosecuted. She said, “To the people of Baltimore: I heard your call for ‘no justice no peace’, I will seek justice on your behalf.” She praised young people who protested Gray’s death, saying, “This is a moment. This is your moment. Let’s ensure that we have peaceful and productive rallies that will develop structural and systemic changes for generations to come. You’re at the forefront of this cause. And as young people, our time is now.”
Marilyn Mosby at the press conference Friday
According the report, Gray was cuffed and put in the back of a police van without a seatbelt, which lead to fatal neck injuries. He was arrested after running from a police officer. Only after being arrested was a knife found on Gray, which was later determined to be legal under Maryland law as it was not a switchblade. The case has sparked controversy across the nation and revived debates about racism and police brutality. President Obama made a statement about the incident saying, “It is my practice not to comment on the legal processes involved. That would not be appropriate. But I can tell you that justice needs to be served. All the evidence needs to be presented. Those individuals who are charged obviously are also entitled to due process and rule of law.”
The driver of the van, Officer Caesar Goodson, was charged with second-degree murder. Officer William Porter and Sergeant Alice D. White were charged with manslaughter, assault and misconduct. Lieutenant Brian Rice, Officer Garrett Miller and Officer Edward Nero were charged with manslaughter, assault, misconduct and false imprisonment.
The officers charged in Gray’s death (L-R: top row: Alicia D. White, Brian Rice, William Porter; bottom row: Edward Nero, Garrett Miller, Caesar Goodson)