Maryland governor glad Baltimore mayor ‘finally’ requested state aid
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) said at a Monday night press conference that his administration was glad that Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake had “finally” requested that the National Guard step in, as police and citizens clashed in parts of the city over the arrest and fatal injury of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old black man.
“When the mayor called me, which quite frankly we were glad that she finally did, instantly we signed the executive order,” he said.
{mosads}He said the use of the National Guard “represents a last resort in order to restore order.”
“People have the right to protest and express their frustration,” he said. “But Baltimore City families deserve peace and safety in their communities.”
A state police official said at the press conference that they had requested up to 5,000 law enforcement officers from agencies in the region.
The violence stems from protests over the death of Gray, who suffered a spinal injury after he was detained by police. Most of the protests in the aftermath of Gray’s death have been peaceful.
On Monday, though, young people clashed with police, and officials said 15 officers had been injured.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed..
tt
Harris calls for ending filibuster for abortion rights
