At least seven police officers have been injured as more violent protests erupted this afternoon in Baltimore in response to the death of Freddie Gray.
The Baltimore Sun reports that the violent confrontation between demonstrators and police broke out earlier this afternoon near the Mondawmin Mall and spread across West Baltimore. Several officers suffered broken bones and one was knocked unconscious as police were pelted with rocks, bricks, and bottles by a large group of demonstrators.
Several of our officers were attacked today by criminals while trying to protect residents in the Mondawmin Community.
— Baltimore Police (@BaltimorePolice) April 27, 2015
— Justin Fenton (@justin_fenton) April 27, 2015
We have been able to get our injured officers out of the area and they are now receiving medical treatment.
— Baltimore Police (@BaltimorePolice) April 27, 2015
Additionally, at least one police vehicle has been set on fire and there are reports of looting throughout the area.
BREAKING: Baltimore juveniles clash with police over Freddie Gray’s death, throwing rocks and bottles at SWAT teams.
https://t.co/65akFuu8zE
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) April 27, 2015
Police van from transit authority on fire at Pennsylvania and North avenues pic.twitter.com/lUKTHJaWiF
— Peter Hermann (@phscoop) April 27, 2015
— Justin Fenton (@justin_fenton) April 27, 2015
We are hearing reports that members of this group are now setting small items on fire in the area.
— Baltimore Police (@BaltimorePolice) April 27, 2015
Police at Inner Harbor with protective gear pic.twitter.com/Tf0VJVWLnC
— Jayne Miller (@jemillerwbal) April 27, 2015
— Justin Fenton (@justin_fenton) April 27, 2015
Chaos pic.twitter.com/luntHuGa5m
— Justin Fenton (@justin_fenton) April 27, 2015
According to the Sun, today’s riots “stemmed from a flier that circulated widely among city school students about a “purge” to take place at 3 p.m.
We’ll continue to update this post as more developments break.
