Baltimore governor, Larry Hogan, has released a statement on the violence taking place in the Maryland city. The city is in turmoil after violent protests following the funeral of Freddie Gray, who was killed by a police officer.
As we previously reported, rival gangs were threatening to "take out" law enforcement officers.
According to USA Today, over a dozen police officers were injured in these riots. Gov. Hogan has since declared a state of emergency.
On Monday, he said in a statement, "Today’s looting and acts of violence in Baltimore will not be tolerated. In response, I have put the Maryland National Guard on alert so they can be in position to deploy rapidly as needed.
I strongly condemn the actions of the offenders who are 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.”
Hogan went on to offer his condolences to the “men and women in uniform” who have been working to “stem this violence.”
“These malicious attacks against law enforcement and local communities only betray the cause of peaceful citizens seeking answers and justice following the death of Freddie Gray,” he continued.