(AP Photo)
Now that the hearing on a series of motions relating to the six officers accused of killing Freddie Gray have begun, let us remember what brought Baltimore to this point. The hearing on Sept. 2 decided that Marilyn Mosby, Baltimore’s State’s Attorney will not have to step down from the case due to misconduct and that the charges against the officers will not be dismissed. A tentative trial date has been set for Oct. 13.
On April 12, Freddie Gray was arrested for allegedly having an illegal switchblade, following a foot chase that ended with Gray in the back of police van asking for an inhaler. At some point–when remains in dispute–Gray sustained serious injurious to his spinal cord. Video from the arrest showed Gray in distress and in shackles.
Gray died on April 19, after undergoing spinal surgery and lapsing into a coma. Protests began happening at City Hall and Police Headquarters. Six officers were identified as having contributed to Gray’s death and were suspended. They were later charged with crimes ranging from manslaughter to misconduct in office and all pleaded not guilty.
The protests reached a boiling point on April 25 and riots hit several parts of Baltimore, including the Western District and the Inner Harbor. In the aftermath, everyone from President Barack Obama to Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake spoke out on the violence and destruction.
Kamau High
Protests took place during the hearing and one protester, Kwame Rose, was arrested after being struck by a car. They are likely to continue through the coming trial and, depending on the outcome, afterwards. There are a lot of questions that need to be answered about the death of Freddie Gray. Hopefully, we will have those answers, and justice, soon.
Kamau High is the managing editor of The AFRO.