Baltimore Mayor Calls for 'Unified City' After Mistrial

BALTIMORE, MD - Following the announcement that the jury could not reach a verdict in the case of Officer William Porter, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake called for citizens to display unity.

“As a unified city, we must respect the outcome of the judicial process,” Rawlings-Blake said in a statement. She asked communities and people who make up Baltimore to show one another respect.

“In the case of any disturbance in the city, we are prepared to respond,” she said. “We will protect our neighborhoods, our businesses and the people of our city.”

Her statements alluded to a departure from the city’s response to the April riots, when violence erupted in pockets of Baltimore and police were not prepared to respond to a large incident.

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• Leave Canceled For Baltimore Cops As Officer Trial Comes To Close
• Jury Deadlocked on Day Two of Freddie Gray Deliberations
• Baltimore Schools CEO ‘Very Concerned’ for Trial’s End
• Riot Report: Baltimore Police Planning, Communication, Equipment Fell Short

Full Statement from Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake on Officer Porter Trial Decision

“A few minutes ago, Judge Barry G. Williams declared a mistrial in the criminal case of Officer William Porter because the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict. It is now up to State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby to determine whether to further pursue criminal charges. This is our American system of justice. Twelve Baltimore residents listened to the evidence presented and were unable to render a unanimous decision. As a unified city, we must respect the outcome of the judicial process. In the coming days, if some choose to demonstrate peacefully to express their opinion, that is their constitutional right. I urge everyone to remember that collectively, our reaction needs to be one of respect for our neighborhoods, and for the residents and businesses of our city. In the case of any disturbance in the city, we are prepared to respond. We will protect our neighborhoods, our businesses and the people of our city.”

Photo Credit: Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.