Monday, April 27, 2015

National Guard Deployed as State of Emergency for Baltimore Places City Under Mandatory Curfew



The US city of Baltimore has declared a state of emergency amid violent protests linked to the death of a black man fatally injured in police custody.
""A week-long curfew has been announced and as many as 5,000 National Guard troops could be deployed.
After dark, a community building that was under construction was engulfed in flames.
Earlier, dozens of people were seen confronting police, and 15 officers were injured.
African American Freddie Gray, 25, died on 19 April after a week in a coma. The justice department is investigating exactly where and when his spinal injuries were sustained.
Officials have suspended six police officers who were involved in the case.
Monday's clashes began hours after Gray's funeral.
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said it was very clear there was a difference between the "peaceful protests of those who seek justice" and the "thugs who want to incite violence".
Authorities were "deploying every resource possible to regain control of the situation", she said.
Later, following violence, looting and fires in various spots across the city of more than 620,000 people, she said: "This destruction we've seen this evening is heart-breaking."
She has ordered a week-long curfew from 22:00 to 05:00 starting on Tuesday. Public schools are to be closed on Tuesday.
National Guard commander Linda Singh said that up to 5,000 troops could be put on the streets.
"We will be out in massive force," she said, adding that armoured vehicles would be used but the city would not be under martial law.
Extra police officers are also being drafted in from the Mid-Atlantic region.
Earlier, President Barack Obama said his administration would provide whatever assistance was needed.
Governor Larry Hogan issued an executive order to "protect the lives and property of citizens being impacted by this public emergency".
He said calling in the National Guard was a "last resort" and that he had "not made this decision lightly".
Capt Eric Kowalczyk of Baltimore Police said the 15 injured officers were wounded by thrown objects including bricks and bottles. Two remain in hospital.
Police made at least 27 arrests.
On Monday night fire broke out at a newly constructed community building near a church in the east of the city.
Kevin Harris, a spokesman for the mayor, said the fire was at the Mary Harvin Transformation Centre, described online as a community-based organization that supports young people and families.
Before nightfall, scenes included a blaze at a CVS pharmacy, stores being looted and police vehicles being burned and vandalised.
Baltimore's Major League Baseball team the Orioles cancelled Monday night's game against Chicago's White Sox as a result of the violence.""

No comments:

All My Verses Chemistry 4 Conscious Eggs ********* ALCHemYEGG AUMniVERSE