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Police in riot gear push back on media and a crowd gathering in the street after a 10 p.m. curfew went into effect April 30, in Baltimore.(Photo: David Goldman, AP)
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced Sunday that she was lifting the six-day curfew imposed after riots ensued over the death of a black man who sustained a spinal injury while in police custody.
"My goal has always been to not have the curfew in place a single day longer than was necessary," she tweeted. "I believe we have reached that point today."
Effective immediately, I have rescinded my order instituting a city-wide curfew. I want to thank the people of Baltimore for their patience.
— Mayor Rawlings-Blake (@MayorSRB) May 3, 2015
My goal has always been to not have the curfew in place a single day longer than was necessary. I believe we have reached that point today.
— Mayor Rawlings-Blake (@MayorSRB) May 3, 2015
The announcement came a day after thousands gathered Saturday outside City Hall, where heavily armed police and National Guard were stationed, in a tense but celebratory demonstration. The 10 p.m. curfew remained in effect that night.
Tensions eased after the Friday announcement of charges against six police officers in Freddie Gray's death.
Gray, 25, died April 19 of spinal injuries sustained while in police custody April 12. His death led to days of protests, which turned violent April 27 after his funeral. Clashes between police and protesters prompted the arrests of more than 200 people and injuries to at least 20 police officers.
USA TODAY
Baltimore police chief: 'There is a sense of rage'
Saturday's rally was the first large-scale, organized gathering since the felony charges — ranging from assault to murder — were announced in the Gray case.
Demonstrators celebrate the announcement of six officers charged in the police-custody death of Freddie Gray before a curfew goes into effect. Baltimore officials ended the curfew on Sunday morning.<span style="color: Red;">*</span>(Photo: David Goldman, AP)
Marching through the streets, demonstrators held signs that read, "Racism is a disease," "It is right to rebel" and "Stop racist police terror." Many shouted, "We have voices" and "12 jurors for Freddie."
Police Commissioner Anthony Batts noted at a Saturday news conference that law enforcement officials approached the evening with caution after the destruction earlier in the week.
"The violence of last Monday was unprecedented for this city," he said. "It was a dramatic impact with a lot of loss of property and damage to the buildings and to officers out here."
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