The Congressional Black Caucus denounced rioting that erupted in Baltimore Monday following the funeral service for Freddie Gray, an African-American resident of the city who died from a spinal cord injury while in police custody.
"We understand people are angry and that the community is upset, but violence only distracts us from the justice we seek," Black Caucus Chair G.K. Butterfield, D-N.C., said in a statement. "Violence does not lead to justice."
At least seven police officers were wounded and several law enforcement vehicles damaged as rioters threw rocks and bottles near the city’s Mondawmin Mall, about four miles from the city’s popular Inner Harbor.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, R, put the state’s National Guard on alert Monday afternoon. The Baltimore Orioles postponed Monday night’s game against the Chicago White Sox.
"Today’s looting and acts of violence in Baltimore will not be tolerated," Hogan said in a statement. "I strongly condemn the actions of the offenders who engaged in direct attacks against innocent civilians, businesses and law enforcement officers. There is a significant difference between protesting and violence and those committing these acts will be prosecuted under the fullest extent of the law."
The violence exploded after Gray’s funeral at a Baltimore church. Gray, 25, died April 19 while in police custody, reigniting the national debate over the police treatment of minorities.
"The Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the cause of Mr. Gray’s death and the CBC supports that investigation," Butterfield said. "We all play a critical role in helping restore trust in law enforcement and our justice system."