Operations Center Opens As Freddie Gray Trial Nears End
BALTIMORE (AP) -- Baltimore's mayor says the city is opening an emergency operations center as the first trial of a police officer in Freddie Gray's death draws to a close.
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake says in a letter to community leaders that she has "no doubt" city officials are prepared for anything, but the center will open at 10 a.m. Monday as a precaution. She says it will help agencies coordinate any necessary response. Rawlings-Blake says the city also is communicating with outside law enforcement agency partners.
The mayor says business should continue as usual and people must respect the jury's decision in Officer William Porter's trial. He's one of six officers charged.
Gray's April 19 death was followed by peaceful demonstrations. But unrest broke out April 25 and again on April 27, bringing a curfew and the National Guard to the streets.