The city of Baltimore remained on alert Friday with National Guard troops lining streets, but the announcement that six police officers would face multiple charges in the homicide death of Freddie Gray brought cries of joy,
The Washington Post reported.
Residents began honking their car horns upon hearing of the charges brought by State's Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby, the Post said, describing an atmosphere of "jubilation."
“Mr. Gray suffered a severe and critical neck injury as a result of being handcuffed, shackled by his feet and unrestrained inside the Baltimore Police Department wagon,” Mosby said.
His injuries came after his arrest and subsequent transport in a police van, she said. Gray, a 25-year-old black man, was eventually taken to a hospital and died a week later.
“I assured his family that no one is above the law, and I would pursue justice on their behalf,” Mosby said. "I heard your call for no justice, no peace."
After three nights of rioting and violence that injured police officers and destroyed businesses, one protester expressed relief. "Justice for my man!" screamed the happy resident, according to a
tweeted photo from Baltimore Sun reporter Kevin Rector, who was chronicling reaction from the streets.
"All you hear are honks," Rector, who also spoke of an increasing police presence, tweeted after the announcement that charges had been filed.
City Councilwoman Helen Holton called the announcement "a defining moment for Baltimore that would allow the city to move forward, the
Sun said.
"This is a good day. I’m excited for my city," Holton said. "This speaks to decades of problems we have faced in this city and we’re beginning a new chapter today into real justice. This will allow us to begin to address the systemic problems that make us a tale of two cities.”
But attorney
Lisa Bloom said on Twitter that the charges only marked a start with a long way to go.
"Filing charges against Baltimore police is a start, but only a start. This will be a major fight. Police rep already attacking prosecutor," Bloom's tweet read.
Baltimore City Fraternal Order of Police President Gene Ryan pushed back on the charges of homicide.
"To the contrary, at all times, each of the officers diligently balanced their obligations to protect Mr. Gray and discharge their duties to protect the public," Ryan said in a letter, which had asked that a special independent prosecutor be appointed to review the case,
CNN said.
But U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, who has spent time on the Baltimore streets this week amid the protests, described the news as "a great day" for the city.
"I think a message has been sent by our State’s Attorney that she treasures every life, that she values every person. So let the wheels of justice begin to roll.
"And it’s good that they are rolling instead of standing still,” Cummings, a Baltimore native who has served the state's 7th District since 1996, told The Post.
The six officers and the charges filed against them are:
- Officer Caesar R. Goodson Jr.: Second-degree depraved-heart murder, involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault, manslaughter by vehicle, misconduct in office. Goodson was the driver of the police van.
- Officer William G. Porter: Involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault, misconduct in office.
- Lt. Brian W. Rice: Involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault, misconduct in office, false imprisonment.
- Officer Edward M. Nero: Second-degree assault, misconduct in office, false imprisonment.
- Officer Garrett Miller: Second-degree assault, misconduct in office, false imprisonment.
- Sgt. Alicia D. White: Manslaughter, second-degree assault, misconduct in office.
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