Protestors Want Curfew To End, National Guard To Leave
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Another large underway in Baltimore and although many are happy that charges were filed against the police officers who arrested Freddie Gray, they have other demands.
Five different protest groups met at McKeldin Square and are marching to the city jail.
Protestors spoke with WJZ's Christie Ileto and said they are protesting the curfew and want the National Guard to leave, but they also want people to stop demonizing the youth -- calling them 'thugs.'
"They are being charged, but there isn't a conviction yet," one protestor said, "and we're here marching for justice."
They believe this is a step in the right direction but hope that the justice system will prevail.
"This is a pretty beautiful moment," he continues. "There's a bunch of people here, who -- you know police officers have been acquitted for crimes like this-- and here we are today as proud city being able to say we're charging people for allegedly committed a crime, and it's actually happening now."
The group is the largest the city has seen this week and continues to grow as they get closer to the city jail -- which is where they hope to convene. There's been a protest daily since Freddie Gray's death on April 19.
"This is only the beginning," he added. " We have to support the people who need their voices heard."