Governor Hogan lifts state of emergency in Baltimore
BALTIMORE - Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan says he has rescinded a state of emergency for Baltimore and all National Guard and state police have been pulled out.
Hogan made the announcement Wednesday, more than a week after 2,000 National Guardsmen were called into the city when protesters overwhelmed police by throwing bricks and bottles at them.
Stores were looted, cars and businesses were burned and nearly 100 officers were injured during the riot April 27. The unrest was sparked by the death of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old who suffered a fatal spinal injury in police custody.
"The effort to restore calm and order to Baltimore was incredible and I cannot thank the community leaders, first responders, and all the men and women in uniform enough for they work they did to make it happen," Hogan said, according to CBS Baltimore.
The Guard and state police helped local officers enforce a city-wide curfew for a week.
Hogan lifted the state of emergency as the mayor called on the Justice Department to investigate whether city police use excessive force and discriminatory practices.
Hogan said that request was "probably a step in the right direction."