Baltimore mayor ‘sickened’ by officers’ alleged conduct

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake (D) vowed Friday to change the culture of the city’s police department, saying she was “heartbroken” over the alleged conduct of police officers charged in the death of Freddie Gray earlier this month.

“I was sickened and heartbroken by the statement of the charges brought today,” she said, according to The Baltimore Sun.

“I will continue to be relentless in changing the culture of the police department,” Rawlings-Blake added during a press conference at city hall.

The mayor said she had asked Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts to immediately suspend the charged officers without pay. Five of the six law enforcement officials charged, she said, were already in custody.

Rawlings-Blake thanked the majority of city police for their courage and service while reiterating that abuse and misconduct were intolerable. She then left without additional comment.

Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby announced the charges during a news conference Friday. Officer Caesar Goodson, the driver of the van transporting Gray, will face second-degree murder charges for his role in Gray’s death.

Charges against the other officers range from involuntary manslaughter to assault and false imprisonment.

Violent riots have gripped Baltimore since Gray’s death on April 19. Gray, a black 25-year-old, died after suffering a spinal injury while in police custody.

The Baltimore City Fraternal Order of Police discounted Mosby’s charges in an open letter posted on Twitter Friday afternoon. The group’s president, Gene Ryan, delivered the message.

“As tragic as this situation is, none of the officers involved are responsible for the death of Mr. Gray,” he wrote.

“To the contrary, at all times, each of the officers diligently balanced their obligations to protect Mr. Gray and discharge their duties to protect the public,” Ryan said.

Mosby additionally alleged officers failed to provide adequate medical support for Gray and that his initial arrest was illegal because officers lacked probable cause.

President Obama on Friday said that “it is absolutely vital the truth comes” out regarding the circumstances of Gray’s death.