BALTIMORE: A violent riots have gripped in a US city of Baltimore as many as seven police officers were injured in the riots and fires raged in the night.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan earlier Monday evening declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard in Baltimore.
The violence began just moments after the funeral of Freddie Gray, who died of an unexplained spinal injury while in police custody.
Hundreds of juveniles outside a mall are clashing with police in riot gear, throwing rocks, bricks and bottles at police.
Up to 5,000 law enforcement officials will be requested from the mid-Atlantic region to help quell the violence.
Twenty-seven arrests have been made, but 15 officers have been injured with broken bones and cuts, and one was unresponsive.
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced a city-wide curfew that will go into effect Tuesday and will last one week. That curfew will be from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
A flier that circulated on social media called for a time of violence on Monday afternoon at the Mondawmin Mall and move downtown toward City Hall.
In addition to setting several things on fire, including a police cruiser, protesters have also been seen looting several businesses.
They say the gangs have formed an alliance against the police department.
While there are some that are still trying to keep peace, it comes to no avail.
The family’s pastor said this behavior is “inexcusable” and is disrespectful to Gray’s family. They said this day was supposed to be a day of mourning and remembrance for Gray.
Baltimore police Capt. Eric Kowalczyk said police are not speculating what the disturbances are related to at this point.
