Categories: U.S. News

Baltimore Riots: Barack Obama Calls for National Soul Searching

President Barack Obama said those who looted and started fires in Baltimore “should be treated like criminals”.

He also said police violence against African-Americans is a “slow-rolling crisis” after a night of violence in Baltimore.

The Baltimore rioting came after the funeral of Freddie Gray, a black man fatally injured in police custody in the city.

A week-long curfew has been announced and thousands of troops have been deployed to Baltimore.

The National Guard has been sent to Baltimore to stop unrest for the first time since 1968, when some of the city’s neighborhoods went up in flames after the assassination of the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.

About 200 people were arrested on April 27, when more than 100 cars were set alight and 15 buildings destroyed.

Photo AP

Barack Obama harshly criticized “a handful of people” for “senseless violence and destruction”.

“That is not a protest, that is not a statement, they are stealing.”

However, Barack Obama said the rioting had distracted from the frustration over Freddie Gray’s death.

“This has been a slow-rolling crisis. This has been going on for a long time. This is not new. And we shouldn’t pretend that it’s new,” Barack Obama said.

The president added such problems would not be solved just by changes to policing.

“It would require everybody saying this is important, this is significant, and that we don’t just pay attention to these communities when a CVS burns and we don’t just pay attention when a young man gets shot or has his spine snapped.”

At an afternoon briefing, Baltimore Captain Eric Kowalczyk was asked why the police had not responded with more resources to prevent fires and rioting.

Capt. Eric Kowalczyk said police had originally deployed for a “high school event”, expecting young students.

“I don’t think there’s anyone in the country that would expect us to deploy automatic weapons and armored vehicles to an event with 13, 14 and 15 year olds,” but saw it turned into an incident that drew in older troublemakers and escalated in violence.

Out of 235 arrests, 201 were adults, Capt. Eric Kowalczyk said.

He also noted there was a large group at a major intersection in Baltimore on April 28 who were protesting peacefully.

“That’s what we’re used to seeing in Baltimore.”

Volunteers and city workers began cleaning up affected areas on Tuesday morning. Smoke still rose from buildings set alight the night before.

Freddie Gray, 25, died on April 19 after suffering unexplained injuries to his spinal cord and spending a week in a coma.

Officials have suspended six police officers who were involved in the case.

Diane A. Wade

Diane is a perfectionist. She enjoys searching the internet for the hottest events from around the world and writing an article about it. The details matter to her, so she makes sure the information is easy to read and understand. She likes traveling and history, especially ancient history. Being a very sociable person she has a blast having barbeque with family and friends.

Recent Posts

Donald Trump and Elon Musk Celebrate Election Victory at UFC 309

Image source: Wikimedia Commons President-elect Donald Trump celebrated his election victory at the Ultimate Fighting…

5 days ago

White House 2024: Donald Trump Wins, Kamala Harris Calls Him to Concede Election

Millions of voters across the US chose to return Donald Trump to the White House…

2 weeks ago

Who Won? Donald Trump Declares Victory as He Addresses Jubilant Supporters in Florida

Donald Trump declares victory in the US election as he addresses jubilant supporters in Florida.…

2 weeks ago

Stocks Soaring as Donald Trump Closes in on US Victory

Stocks around the world are rising as Donald Trump appears to be on the cusp…

2 weeks ago

Who Won? Kamala Harris Cancels Election Night Party as Path to Victory Narrows

Donald Trump has won Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia and taken a lead over Kamala…

2 weeks ago

Quincy Jones Dead at 91

Quincy Jones, the celebrated musician and producer who worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray…

2 weeks ago