Fireworks Set Off In Crowd: State Police Activated In Baltimore

BALTIMORE, MD — Due to crowd activity downtown, the Baltimore Police Department reports it has activated Maryland State Police to assist with what officials said were "moderate crowds" Monday night. Crowds have been demonstrating peacefully throughout the day in the city.

Members of the crowd have set off illegal fireworks and thrown objects at both peaceful protesters and law enforcement officers, the Baltimore Police Department said in a statement after 10:30 p.m. Monday.

Two people have been arrested for setting off fireworks, according to Councilman Eric Costello.

A Baltimore community group aided in the arrest of one person before 10:30 p.m. when the individual allegedly set of fireworks at Baltimore police officers at the corner of East Baltimore at South streets, Costello reported.

Another arrest was made around 9:30 p.m. after one person lit fireworks in a crowd, according to Costello, who said before 10 p.m. that fireworks lit at the corner of East Fayette and North Holliday Streets were mistaken for gunshots.

"I'll repeat, these are fireworks, not gunshots," Costello said.

Agitators prompted police to line up with shields wearing riot gear, WBFF reported after 10:45 p.m., as peaceful demonstrators held their hands up chanting: "Hands up, don't shoot."

Watch live coverage from WBFF.

Well, a black man was murdered by police last week in Minnesota. So people all across the country in every major City are protesting this injustice any many others. It happened at 10:30pm, because people are willing to protest an injustice at any hour. https://t.co/4WViZIeg8d
— Eric Costello (@CouncilmanETC) June 2, 2020

Protests have been largely peaceful throughout the day.

The Baltimore Police Department has participated at times, including at one point taking a knee outside City Hall.

Earlier today #BPDStrong #AllInThisTogether pic.twitter.com/pzpqA5RFNK
— Baltimore Police (@BaltimorePolice) June 2, 2020

See Also:

• 14 Arrested Amid Mostly Peaceful Protests: Baltimore Officials
• Woman Involved In Weekend Altercation With BPD Officers Arrested
• Election Board Headquarters Close Early Due To Safety Concerns
• Fireworks Set Off In Crowd: State Police Activated In Baltimore