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[h=4]Curfew begins in riot-torn Baltimore[/h]The governor of Maryland declared a state of emergency Monday after the streets of Baltimore erupted in violence after the funeral for an African-American man who died of injuries he sustained while in police custody.
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As the sun came up in Baltimore Tuesday morning, the damage left behind by violent riots could be clearly seen. Buildings were burned and stores were destroyed. Protests started over the death of a black man, Freddie Gray, in police custody. VPC
A protester throws a tear gas canister back toward riot police after a 10 p.m. curfew went into effect Tuesday, in Baltimore.(Photo: David Goldman, AP)
BALTIMORE -- A citywide curfew took effect Tuesday night in tense, riot-torn Baltimore as a heavy presence of police and National Guard troops sought to disperse protesters.
Dozens of people remained in the streets after the 10 p.m. curfew. Officers with bullhorns and self-appointed citizen peacekeepers urged them to go home, and when some failed to disperse, police fired pepper pellets and smoke canisters.
Some protesters hurled objects at police, who held shields and formed a line across an intersection and slowly advanced toward protesters.
Baltimore police said on Twitter: "Officers are now advancing on the group. They remain aggressive and disorderly."
"We've got a long night ahead of us,'' Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said earlier. Security forces "will not tolerate violence or looting,'' he vowed.
Hogan said a massive display of security was deployed in the city: 2,000 National Guard troops and 1,000 law enforcement officers.
The Baltimore Orioles canceled Tuesday's scheduled home game and in an unusual move said Wednesday's game will be played in an empty Camden Yards stadium, without spectators.
Baltimore's school system announced it would reopen for classes Wednesday.
Police Commissioner Anthony Batts defended his agency's slow response to violence that tore through the city a day earlier, leaving cars and buildings gutted by fire and stores looted. Batts said the young age of those who took to the streets with rocks and bricks -- high school students, many of them -- caused officers to take a measured initial response to Monday's violence.
"Why didn't you move faster? Because they're 14, 15 and 16 year old kids out there,'' Batts said at an afternoon news conference, posing to himself a frequently asked question.
"They're old enough to know better ….old enough to be accountable. But they're still kids, unfortunately, and we have to take that into account when we're out there.''
The violence erupted on the day of the funeral for Freddie Gray, 25, who died after suffering a mortal spinal injury while in police custody.
Appearing with Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Batts defended her against critics for an initially low-profile response, calling her "courageous.'' He acknowledged that Baltimore's police culture must change: "We have more to do, but we can't do it by destroying this beautiful city."
"Overall today has been a very good day,'' Batts said. "We're going to be out in strong numbers making sure we have no issues in our city.''
There were some tense protests and a massive cleanup underway. The city was going on a week-long nightly curfew beginning at 10 p.m.
Hogan said 250 people were arrested in Monday's violence. Police said more than 20 police were injured, and Batts said one of them remained hospitalized Tuesday. About 20 businesses and more than 140 cars burned as the mayhem spilled into Tuesday's early hours. From 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., the city's Office of Emergency Management reported 10 major blazes.
"Acts of violence and destruction of property cannot and will not be tolerated,'' Hogan said. "This is far from over.''
President Obama promised a thorough investigation into the death of Gray.
U.S. Justice Department officials met with members of Gray's family late Tuesday, in addition to relatives of police officers who were most seriously injured in Monday's unrest, a Justice official said. Vanita Gupta, chief of the department's Civil Rights Division, and Ronald Davis, director of the Community Oriented Policing Services office, were dispatched to Baltimore to represent the department.
A man stands in front of a line of police officers in riot gear as part of a community effort to disperse the crowd ahead of a 10 p.m. curfew Tuesday, April 28, 2015, in Baltimore.<span style="color: Red;">*</span>(Photo: David Goldman, AP)
Attorney General Loretta Lynch spoke with Hogan and members of the Maryland congressional delegation to discuss the developments in Baltimore and to offer assistance.
Across the city, schools were closed, the National Guard was on the streets and wreckage was everywhere. Across the street from a burned and looted CVS store, several people threw water bottles at officers who stood in riot gear. At times protesters argued among themselves, some pleading for a peaceful event and others arguing that the police officers needed to feel the pain they have inflicted on the community.
Still, Batts said only two arrests were made by late afternoon. "For the most part, the city has been calm today,'' Batts said.
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James Brown, 27, an event planner, said he believes the situation will worsen. "This is not going to end," he said. "Black men feel like we don't have rights. We are not being heard."
Earlier, Rawlings-Blake toured the destruction.
"We will not let these deplorable and cowardly acts of violence ruin our city," she tweeted. "I sincerely want to thank all those out there cleaning up streets and sharing their love for #OurCity. Thank you, Baltimore!"
Rawlings-Blake walked back comments she made about "thugs" trying to tear down the city.
"I wanted to say something that was on my heart … We don't have thugs in Baltimore. Sometimes my little anger interpreter gets the best of me," she said, pointing to her head. "We have a lot of kids that are acting out, a lot of people in our community that are acting out."
She dismissed claims that she waited too long to send in a heavy police and National Guard presence. She cited a "delicate balancing act" between managing the problem and making it worse.
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMOREDamage in Baltimore as rioters set fires, loot stores | 03:00As the sun came up in Baltimore Tuesday morning, the damage left behind by violent riots could be clearly seen. Buildings were burned and stores were destroyed. Protests started over the death of a black man, Freddie Gray, in police custody. VPC
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMOREBaltimore shaken by violence, destruction | 01:21Residents of Baltimore are dealing with the damage left behind by rioters who looted stores and set buildings on fire after Freddie Gray was laid to rest. Gray suffered a fatal spinal cord injury while in police custody. VPC
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMORERaw: Baltimore firefighters put out blaze at looted CVS | 01:01Firefighters in Baltimore work to extinguish the flames and smoke at a looted CVS. VPC
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMOREVideo of Baltimore protests captured on city streets | 00:49Violence erupted in Baltimore as protesters clashed with police, throwing objects and rocks at officers. Check out these videos from social media users who captured some intense moments on the streets of the city. VPC
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMOREFreddie Gray's family calls for peace | 00:56The family of Freddie Gray asked people in Baltimore, Maryland to stop rioting and looting. Riots shook the city after Gray's funeral on Monday. (April 28) AP
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMOREReligious leaders try to quell Baltimore violence | 01:02Religious leaders gathered in their churches Monday evening to pray for those affected by the riots in Baltimore. VPC
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMOREMd. governor 'glad' Baltimore mayor 'finally' requested aid | 02:01Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan declared State of Emergency and activated the National Guard Monday, saying that he is glad that Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rowlings-Blake "finally" requested aid from the state. VPC
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMOREBaltimore mayor defends city's response to violence | 01:42Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rowlings-Blake had some harsh words for both the rioters who looted stores and set buildings on fire, as well as for media who asked her some tough questions about the city's response to violence. VPC
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMOREProtesters loot, set police car on fire in Baltimore | 01:02Protesters set cars on fire and looted stores as protests over the death of Baltimore's Freddie Gray turned violent. VPC
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMORERaw: Looters target stores in Baltimore | 01:54Rioters in the streets of Baltimore, Maryland are looting local stores. (April 27) AP
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMOREBaltimore Mayor: 'Thugs' are destroying our city | 01:25Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rowlings-Blake says she is outraged that the community is being destroyed by "thugs" after demonstrations over Freddie Gray's death turned violent Monday. At least 15 Baltimore police officers were injured. VPC
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMORERaw: CVS store up in flames | 01:03Cars and at least one store have been set on fire and businesses have been looted in Baltimore. The riot started just hours after the funeral for Freddie Gray, who died in police custody. (April 27) AP
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMOREMD Police: 'Outrageous criminals' attacked cops | 01:19Baltimore Police Department officials say a group of 'lawless individuals' attacked officers in the street. 7 officers reportedly have serious injuries and one is currently unconscious. (April 27) AP
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMOREBaltimore protests halted during Freddie Gray's wake | 01:13A wake was held in Baltimore for Freddie Gray on Sunday. Protesters took a break from their marching, at the request of Gray's family, and many went to pay their respects. VPC
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMOREFreddie Gray attorney urges end to violence | 01:12The attorney for the family of Freddie Gray is calling on the community to end their focus on violence in the wake of Gray's death. Gray suffered a fatal spinal injury while in police custody. (April 27) AP
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMOREMourners honor life of Freddie Gray at funeral | 02:11Thousands of mourners turned out for the funeral of Freddie Gray who suffered from a fatal spinal injury while in police custody. (April 27) AP
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMOREBaltimore mayor: 'This is our city' | 01:21Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake called on protesters Sunday to remain peaceful, a day after 34 people were arrested and six police officers sustained minor injuries in clashes over the death of Freddie Gray. (April 26) AP
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMOREViolence erupts during freddie gray protests | 01:29Baltimore officials say outside "agitators" triggered some violent incidents that erupted during a mostly peaceful protest Saturday against the death of Freddie Gray. At least five police officers were injured and 34 people arrested. (April 26) AP
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMOREFreddie Gray protest turns violent in Baltimore | 01:57Windows were smashed, police were pelted with bottles, and several protesters were arrested as a peaceful rally unraveled in Baltimore. Demonstrators were demanding justice for Freddie Gray, who was fatally injured in police custody. VPC
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMOREThousands protest death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore | 02:07Protesters took to the streets of Baltimore on Saturday to express their outrage over the death of Freddie Gray. They marched one day after the Baltimore Police Department acknowledged that it failed to get Gray the necessary medical attention. VPC
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMORECrowds gather for Baltimore protest | 00:58A crowd gathered in Baltimore's Sandtown neighborhood Saturday in advance of a bigger protest at City Hall. Demonstrators are protesting the death of an African-American who was fatally injured while in police custody. (April 25) AP
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMOREMayor: Freddie Gray's death 'horribly tragic' | 01:10Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake vows to get to the bottom of the cause of Baltimore resident Freddie Gray's death, who was critically injured while in police custody. (April 24) AP
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMOREFreddie Gray protesters arrested in Baltimore | 01:41Demonstrators took to the streets of Baltimore for a fifth day on Thursday to express their outrage over the death of Freddie Gray. Clashes between protesters and police ended with two arrests. VPC
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMOREProtestors march through Baltimore streets | 01:03Demonstrators marched around Baltimore's city hall and onto city streets on Thursday protesting the death of Freddie Gray, a black man who died of a mysterious spinal injury he suffered after he was arrested by Baltimore police. (April 23) AP
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMOREProtests heat up as hundreds rally for Freddie Gray | 00:56Hundreds of protesters continue to march in Baltimore and tensions with police are boiling up as protesters demand answers in the death of Freddie Gray. VPC
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMOREFreddie Gray protester: 'Not an event, it's a movement' | 01:12Hundreds of protesters gathered in downtown Baltimore to protest the death of Freddie Gray who died of a severe spinal cord injury after police arrested him. VPC
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMORETension heats up in Maryland after Freddie Gray's death | 01:17More protests are taking place in Baltimore as supporters of Freddie Gray pressed their demand for justice, and an explanation of how and why he died while in police custody. VPC
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMORERaw: Protesters demand justice for Maryland man | 01:32Demonstrators who launched a week of protests to demand justice for a Baltimore man who died from a spinal injury he suffered while in police custody took to the streets Wednesday. (April 22) AP
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMOREFreddie Gray's death sparks outrage, investigation | 01:21As demonstrators called for justice for Freddie Gray, Baltimore's mayor promised that the city would get answers to questions of how and why the 25-year-old suffered a fatal spinal injury while in police custody. VPC
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMORERaw: MD rally held as probe is announced | 01:23The Justice Dept. said Tuesday it has opened an investigation into the death of a Freddie Gray, who died of spinal injuries he suffered during an arrest. This comes as rally is held for a call for justice. (April 21) AP
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMOREBaltimore police: No answers in Freddie Gray death | 01:53Six Baltimore police officers have been suspended amid the ongoing investigation into the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray.
Video provided by Newsy Newslook
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMOREWitness said he heard Freddie Gray scream during arrest | 01:12Baltimore resident Harold Perry said he witnessed police officers arrest Freddie Gray and heard his cries for help. Gray died while in police custody of a severe spinal injury. VPC
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMOREPolice: still don't know how suspect died | 01:53Baltimore police released videos Monday showing the arrest of a man who died of a severe spinal injury suffered in police custody. Six officers have been suspended, but investigators say they still don't know how it happened. (April 20) AP
RIOT ERUPTS IN BALTIMOREWhat happened while Freddie Gray was in police custody? | 01:46Freddie Gray died Sunday, one week after an encounter with Baltimore police.
Video provided by Newsy Newsy
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"It is very important that we respond to the situation as it is on the ground," she said. "There are always going to be armchair quarterbacks who have never sat in my seat."
Police Capt. John Kowalczyk said the relatively light initial police presence was because authorities were preparing for a protest of high schoolers. A heavy police presence and automatic weapons would not have been appropriate, he said. Kowalczyk said police made more than 200 arrests, 34 of them juveniles.
During the mayhem, social media was alive with "#purge," an apparent allusion to the film The Purge, which featured a 12-hour period in which all crime is legal.
Police stand guard as people protest near the CVS pharmacy that was set on fire Monday during rioting after the funeral of Freddie Gray, on April 28, 2015 in Baltimore.<span style="color: Red;">*</span>(Photo: Andrew Burton, Getty Images)
Gray, 25, died April 19, one week after being arrested and suffering a severe spinal injury. After Gray's funeral Monday, protests ostensibly against police violence quickly deteriorated into devastating riots. Bands of looters, some armed with crowbars, roamed the city, hurling rocks at police, destroying patrol cars, smashing store windows and torching buildings.
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Residents swept glass and debris from battered sidewalks and streets while National Guard members stood sentry during daylight hours Tuesday.
Tanisha Owens, 30, an elementary school teacher living in Baltimore, said she hopes young people will get a chance to come to peaceful protests in the city and learn how to voice their concerns.
"My students see this destruction happen to their communities and they need to also see the good side of it," Owens said. "I want them to understand that not everyone is bad. There's also good in their city."
Owens added that she was impressed at how quickly people cleaned up stores affected by looting. She and several co-workers came to the city with brooms and gloves but found that all the places they wanted to volunteer were already cleared of debris.
But many said they remain frustrated by what they believe is unfair treatment of blacks by police.
"We have too much violence against all the little brown children," Mitchum Alexander, 46, of Baltimore, said. "We need to put a stop to this and educate law enforcement and people in society so incidents like this don't occur."
Martin O'Malley, former governor of Maryland and former mayor of Baltimore, stopped by West Baltimore where hundreds of demonstrators gathered all day.
"There's a lot of pain in our city right now, a lot of people feeling very sad," O'Malley said. "We have got to come through this together. We are a people who have seen worst days and we will come through this."
Yet as O'Malley walked through crowds of protesters some heckled him and told him to leave.
Wayne Gray, 47, has lived in Baltimore his entire life and said O'Malley had a chance to help the city and didn't. Instead, Gray said O'Malley didn't help improve the lives of poor people and started the culture and policies that led to over arresting black men.
"He had a chance to fix this," Gray said of O'Malley. "He's part of the frustration that built up in these black men."
Hogan also toured parts of the city. "What happened last night is not going to happen tonight," he said.l
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Many businesses, wary of a resurgence of violence that had overwhelmed police and fire fighters, closed on Tuesday.
The list included Security Square Mall with more than 100 stores in western Baltimore. Many downtown businesses were closed, and mutual fund houses T. Rowe Price and Legg Mason announced that most employees were working from home.
Jamal Bryant, a local activist and pastor of Empowerment Temple AME Church, opened his church to teens with no place to go due to the school closures. He promised to conduct training on how to protest without destroying the city.
Bryant tweeted: "We're also gonna take HS students to go clean up OUR neighborhoods. We must rise from the ashes. Meet at @EmpowermentTem2 at 10"
Obama also said economic and cultural problems must be addressed to fully solve the problem of violence on streets here and across the nation. Still, he stressed, that's no excuse for the violence.
"When individuals get crowbars and start opening doors to loot, they're not protesting," Obama said in response to a query at a White House news conference. "They're not making a statement. They are stealing. When they burn down a building they are committing arson. And they are destroying and undermining businesses and opportunities in their own communities."
Contributing: Donna Leinwand Leger, John Bacon
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