Baltimore Protests: Police Call For Backup From State

BALTIMORE, MD — Reinforcements have been called in to assist in keeping Baltimore safe, officials said Saturday night. Police made the announcement after hours of peaceful protests in the city calling for an end to police brutality and systemic racism.

The deaths of George Floyd in Minnesota, Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia and Breonna Taylor in Kentucky sparked a movement for justice this week across the country, including in Baltimore.

"The BPD has coordinated with the Maryland State Police to activate additional resources to aid in keeping our critical infrastructures safe while officers continue the work of keeping citizens of safe," the Baltimore Police Department said in a statement before 10:30 p.m. Saturday.

UPDATE: Baltimore Protests: Several Arrested Overnight, Police Said

"Members of MSP will be transported via Humvees and are due to arrive shortly," Baltimore Police reported.

The demonstration in Baltimore began around 3 p.m. Saturday and included cars, bicyclists and pedestrians. Groups gathered in front of the Baltimore Police Department's headquarters on East Fayette Street and in front of City Hall on Holliday Street. They traveled along North Charles Street, North Avenue, Orleans Street and elsewhere.

Last night, Baltimore showed the nation how to assemble to promote positive change. I want to thank @mayorbcyoung, Commissioner Harrison, @BaltimorePolice, @MDSP, and the vast majority of demonstrators for their efforts to keep gatherings safe and respectful.
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) May 31, 2020

Across the country, the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression helped organize demonstrations Saturday for what it called a National Day of Protest.

Before 9:45 p.m., Baltimore Mayor Jack Young said: "If you are currently out on the streets of Baltimore, please go home!"

He called the day's protests "peaceful and productive" overall but cautioned: "We won't stand for non-peaceful individuals disgracing the work of law-abiding protesters," noting: "We've seen a few agitators taking advantage of peaceful protesters."

I was in the #BaltimoreProtest today for hours. I didn’t see a single instance of violence. Business owners and residents were in the streets chanting with us as we passed by. Vehicles blared their horns in solidarity and stopped to let people pass. #BlackLivesMatter #GeorgeFlyod pic.twitter.com/FT8jDRS4JI
— kaki (she/her) (@kaki_pantsss) May 31, 2020

History! No injuries, no insults. Peaceful protest. Powerful actions . We got a Sargeant to SAY THE NAMES of the black women/men killed by police outside police headquarters !! #BlackLivesMatter #BaltimoreProtest pic.twitter.com/mjWZMiB1o1
— Jay Williams (@messiah_Jay8890) May 31, 2020

#BaltimoreProtest/Caravan. People drove and walked for THREE hours. pic.twitter.com/o9fCZv56To
— Shunks. (@teamshunks) May 30, 2020

because, we matter. #BlackLivesMatter #BaltimoreProtest pic.twitter.com/7mfbKI5MTI
— mika (@XUITAKESEARTH) May 31, 2020

The team monitoring Baltimore's consent decree has also been attending the demonstrations.

While protests in Baltimore were peaceful overall, other cities implemented curfews to control crowds —including Atlanta, Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Seattle.

Although they unfolded differently, the protests across America shared a call for justice for George Floyd, a black man who died after being forcibly arrested by Minneapolis police on Memorial Day.

See Also:

• Tear Gas Used On Minneapolis Protesters; Unrest Continues In U.S.
• Baltimore Protest: Car Caravan, 2 Pedestrian Groups Planned

Patch editor William Bornhoft contributed to this report.