Md. Governor Declares State of Emergency in Baltimore

Gov. Larry Hogan says he'll activate National Guard after day marred with violence
By Jenn Gidman,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 27, 2015 3:54 PM CDT
Updated Apr 27, 2015 5:48 PM CDT
Baltimore Cops Injured in Street Riot: Reports
Baltimore police officer sprays pepper spray to demonstrators after the funeral of Freddie Gray, Monday, April 27, 2015, at New Shiloh Baptist Church.   (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency and activating the National Guard to mitigate ongoing violence in Baltimore, per a statement on the governor's website; a press conference will be held at 8:30pm EDT. Meanwhile, the MLB's Baltimore Orioles tweeted this evening, "After consultation with Baltimore City Police Department, tonight's game between the Orioles & White Sox at Oriole Park has been postponed." Baltimore's plea for calm earlier today before the funeral of Freddie Gray didn't come to fruition, and reports indicate at least seven police officers have been injured since cops and demonstrators started to clash earlier today, per the AP. Capt. Eric Kowalczyk says one officer is unresponsive and others have suffered broken bones, per the news agency. Gray's family is urging people to stay calm. "They don't want this movement nationally to be marred by violence," the Gray family attorney tells the AP.

Hundreds of young people were said to have gathered outside of a city mall earlier today, lobbing bricks, rocks, and bottles at cops in riot gear, with police using pepper spray to fend off demonstrators, the AP notes. The department also tweeted that the "violent and aggressive" group looted and destroyed police cars; authorities are urging residents to bring their children home and stay away from affected areas, the AP notes. "We are deploying resources to ensure everyone stays safe," one PD tweet read. The police department also said in a statement today that it has received a "credible threat" that rival gangs in the area are joining forces to "take out" local police officers to "send a message," per the Baltimore Sun. The PD's chief spokesman didn't reveal how the police came across this info or why they believe it's credible, the paper notes. (More Baltimore stories.)

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