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"An all out war between kids and police": violent protests in Baltimore after Freddie Gray's funeral

By Jenée Desmond-Harris Updated
Mark Makela/Getty Images

  1. Following Freddie Gray's funeral Monday afternoon, young protesters demanding accountability for the 25-year-old's black man's death clashed with police in riot gear in Baltimore, the Baltimore Sun reports.
  2. Gray died on April 19 from a spinal cord injury, a week after he was rushed to the hospital while in police custody. Investigators are still working to determine whether police caused his death.
  3. In protests that became increasingly confrontational Monday afternoon and evening, police reportedly fired tear gas into a group of youths who threw bricks and bottles — which were at times returned by police officers—  near the city's Mondawmin Mall, where downtown businesses had already shut down in anticipation of unrest.

Police casualties, property damage, and arrests

The Associated Press reported Monday evening that multiple officers were injured and several protestors were arrested:

Baltimore residents shared images of burning buildings, which were believed to be associated with the protests:

Confrontations became violent Monday afternoon

Baltimore Sun reporter Erica L. Green posted video of what she described as an "all out war between kids and police."

The Baltimore Police Department tweeted from its official account that officers had been injured by protesters throwing bricks:

Baltimore Sun Crime reporter Justin Fenton chronicled the escalated police presence:

Brian Sasser of ABC 7 News reported that officers used tear gas on protesters:

Others on the scene, including Baltimore City Paper's Baynard Woods, shared video of and described the violent confrontations:

The National Guard was put on alert shortly after 6:00 p.m:

A CVS store was set on fire and became the scene of another confrontation between police and protestors, including smoke bombs thrown by police.

Religious, political, and community leaders pushed for peace

Baltimore's 11Alive News reported that Nation of Islam members were attempting to stop the looting and destruction of local businesses:

Meanwhile, Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD) announced that 150 ministers would met to discuss the evening's events, and Reuters reported that the Baltimore Orioles opted to cancel Monday night's game after a consultation with police.

"It is idiotic to think that by destroying your city, you're going to make life better for anybody," Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said. She declared a week-long curfew to be in effect from 10 pm to 5 am in the city in an effort to curb further violence and rioting, CBS Baltimore reported.

Read more about Freddie Gray's death and its aftermath here.

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