Food Trucks Scrap Friday Festival at Power Plant Live!

A food truck festival at Power Plant Live! planned for Friday has been postponed at the request of Baltimore Police, according to organizers.

The Gathering, a group that plans Baltimore food truck festivals, cited “safety and security concerns” in the decision to cancel its April 24 event slated for 5 to 10 p.m. It has been rescheduled for Friday, May 8.

The organization made the announcement Thursday, as Maryland State Police was called for backup to respond to public demonstrations in the aftermath of the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray, stating:

In light of the protests occurring around Baltimore concerning the death of Freddie Gray, The Gathering at POWER PLANT LIVE! this Friday, April 24, has been rescheduled to May 8 due to safety and security concerns, at the request of the Baltimore City Police Department.

Any wristbands purchased can be redeemed at the May 8 event. If you cannot make the event, refunds will be issued at your request. Thank you for your understanding in the matter. Our guests’ safety is always our top priority.

Officials gave city employees permission to leave work early Thursday to avoid the traffic from demonstrations. The University of Maryland Baltimore canceled activities after 4 p.m.

Protestors coursed through major thoroughfares downtown, including along the Inner Harbor, blocking traffic along Pratt, Light and Lombard streets as they made their way to City Hall.

Police said two protestors were taken into custody for disorderly conduct and destruction of property. On the whole, the demonstrations were peaceful, with people chanting “Hands up” and in some cases, sitting or lying down to block traffic.

Gray died from spinal cord injuries April 19, one week after he was arrested by Baltimore Police. City and federal officials are probing the circumstances surrounding Gray’s death.

Demonstrators have been taking to the streets in Baltimore City since April 18, when a pastor led a group from west Baltimore to the Western District headquarters, demanding answers about what caused Gray to land in the hospital in a coma, WJZ reported.

Six officers have been suspended with pay during the investigation.

The Baltimore Police and U.S. Department of Justice say they are investigating what happened on April 12 that caused Gray to be arrested and within an hour, to be hospitalized with an injury that led to his death. The Baltimore People’s Power Assembly announced at a news conference Thursday that it is conducting its own investigation into Gray’s death, with the help of a civil rights investigator, calling the probe a “people’s independent investigation.”

Screenshot of Gypsy Truck from Samira Ghaffari/YouTube.

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