Baltimore Mayor Activates Emergency Operations As End Nears in Porter Trial

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake has activated the city’s emergency operations center ”out of an abundance of caution.”

Closing arguments begin Monday in the trial against Baltimore Police Officer William Porter, who is charged with manslaughter, second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office in connection with the detainment of Freddie Gray.

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• End Nears for Policeman’s Trial in Freddie Gray Death

Jury deliberations could begin by the end of the day.

Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Barry Williams has said that the trial will conclude by Thursday, Dec. 17.

“We must speak with one clear voice that the negative behavior associated with the unrest will not be tolerated,” Rawlings-Blake said in a statement Friday. “...whatever happens, whatever the verdict, we will respect the process and the decision of 12 Baltimore city residents tasked with making their decision based on the law.”

Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis has canceled leave for officers until Friday, Dec. 18.

Photo Credit: Baltimore City.