Baltimore Mayor: "This Is Something That Is Unacceptable"
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Baltimore City Police Commissioner Anthony Batts praised peaceful protesters Saturday but say they are disappointed in those who created chaos.
Marcus Washington has more.
From Sky Eye Chopper 13, chaotic aftermath to what was a peaceful demonstration in memory of Freddie Gray.
"A small group of agitators intervened and turned what was otherwise a peaceful demonstration into a violent protest. This is something that is unacceptable to me and everyone who lives in Baltimore," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.
Shortly after 6 Saturday evening, a group of protesters began to create unruliness near Camden Yards, jumping on cars, smashing windows of businesses and even throwing objects at police.
"The reality is that we have to allow their constitutional rights and people can't destroy the city. We will make those arrests and hopefully we won't have to make the arrests if people just do what they're supposed to do in an appropriate way," said Police Commissioner Anthony Batts.
In the wake of distress, a call for peace.
"We are not asking you not to protest. We're not asking you not to lift your voice. We're not asking you not to, in fact, express your feelings. But the Bible is clear: be angry but say naught. Rioting and looting will not get us justice; nor will it turn the tide," said Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant.
The family of Freddie Gray is asking for it to stop.
"If we follow that old saying an eye for an eye, then we will all lose our sight and the path toward justice is right in front of our eyes," said Jason Downs, a family friend.
Freddie Gray's twin sister spoke as well, saying Freddie would not have wanted this.
