George Floyd Death: Baltimore A 'National Example' Of How To Protest Peacefully, Young Says
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Baltimoreans protesting the in-custody death of an unarmed man in Minnesota set a "national example" of how to peacefully protest, Mayor Bernard C. "Jack" Young said Sunday.
During a virtual news conference Sunday afternoon, Young thanked protesters for remaining peaceful as they called attention to the death of George Floyd, who died after being arrested by police in Minneapolis.
Four officers involved in Floyd's arrest were fired after video showed one officer kneeling on Floyd's neck for several minutes. That officer, Derek Chauvin, has since been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.
WJZ COMPLETE COVERAGE: George Floyd's Death And Its Impacts In Maryland
- George Floyd Death: Baltimore A 'National Example' Of How To Protest Peacefully, Young Says
- George Floyd Death: Gov. Hogan Says Baltimore 'Showed The Nation How To Promote Positive Change' With Demonstrations This Weekend
- George Floyd Death: Protestors Gather Outside Baltimore's City Hall, Some Demonstrators Got Violent
- George Floyd Death: Protest Held In Baltimore's Inner Harbor
- Marilyn Mosby Defends Decision To Quickly Charge Officers In Freddie Gray Case After Attorney Compares It With George Floyd Investigation
- George Floyd Death: Baltimore Police Commissioner Says Video Was 'Disgusting And Shocking To The Conscience'
- George Floyd Death: Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan Says It's Not Fair To Compare With Freddie Gray Case
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While clashes between police and civilians following demonstrations have been reported from New York City to Los Angeles, Baltimore has largely escaped the violence.
"In Baltimore yesterday, we were a national example of what it looks like to engage in passionate protesting without widespread breaking of the law," Young said.
There were several reports, though, of what Young described as "unlawful behavior" that was "dealt with swiftly."
Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said 14 people, including two minors, were arrested overnight after numerous businesses were damaged or burglarized.
Both also praised the police department, whose officers Harrison said, "continued to serve with an unparalleled level of professionalism, tolerance and restraint."
The mayor also issued a stern warning to those hoping to cause destruction.
"I want to reiterate a point I made yesterday: if you're coming to Baltimore to protest peacefully, we welcome you, but if you're coming here to throw bricks or break storefront windows or destroy police vehicles, you're going to find yourself in a jail cell. That's a promise," the mayor warned.
Earlier in the day, Gov. Larry Hogan made similar remarks, writing on Twitter "Baltimore showed the nation how to assemble to promote positive change."
Read the latest coverage of the George Floyd protests in Minneapolis from WCCO-TV | CBS Minnesota.