Black caucus chairman urges calm in Baltimore

The chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) called on Monday night called for calm, as violent clashes between police and protesters escalated in Baltimore.

“We call for peaceful protests so that additional lives are not lost,” said Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.). “We understand people are angry and that the community is upset, but violence only distracts us from the justice we seek. Violence does not lead to justice.”

“The CBC will continue to work with federal, state and local governments to ensure this system is fair and impartial. African-Americans deserve to be treated equally before the law,” he said.

{mosads}On Monday afternoon, young people in Baltimore clashed with police officers following days of protests over the death Freddie Gray, 25.

Gray was arrested April 12 and sent to the hospital with a severely damaged spine. He spent the week before his death in a coma.

Young people took to the streets of Baltimore on Monday as Gray’s funeral was held and reportedly threw objects at police officers who were wearing riot gear. Police said seven officers have been injured.

Gov. Larry Hogan (R) said he had put the Maryland National Guard on alert, so they could provide support to law enforcement if necessary.

“There is a significant difference between protesting and violence, and those committing these acts will be prosecuted under the fullest extent of the law,” Hogan said.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the men and women in uniform who are actively working to stem this violence and several who been injured in the line of duty.”