A state of emergency has been declared in Baltimore as the city transforms into ‘an absolute war zone’ following the funeral of Freddie Gray.
More than 1,000 police officers and the Maryland National Guard are arriving in the city and the president has been briefed on the situation as violence continues to escalate.
Seven police officers have been injured, many with broken bones, and at least one appeared ‘unresponsive’.
Rioters are looting gun stores, ripping off the doors and passing weapons to people on the streets. Others have stormed check cashing stores. Buildings, including a CVS pharmacy, are on fire. Rioters have slashed fire fighters’ hoses as they try to battle the flames.
Armored police vans are patrolling the streets as passers-by hurl rocks in their direction. Officers on the ground are spraying peppers spray and hurling tear has into the crowds.
As night falls, groups appear to be moving toward Camden Yards stadium, prompting tonight’s White Sox v Orioles game to be suspended. College students have been told to stay in their doors and be alert to possible attacks.
Freddie Gray died of a severe spinal injury in police custody on April 12.