Hogan Lifts State of Emergency in Baltimore

Gov. Larry Hogan lifted the state of emergency in Baltimore Wednesday, stating that the drawdown of thousands of National Guardsmen and hundreds of police called in to protect the city was complete.

“Last week, Maryland citizens and the entire nation watched as Baltimore was consumed by violence and tragedy,” Hogan said.

Hogan declared a state of emergency Monday, April 27, after riots broke out on the west side of the city, and an overnight curfew took effect from Tuesday, April 28, through Saturday, May 2.

“The effort to restore calm and order to Baltimore was incredible and I cannot thank the community leaders, first responders and all the men and women in uniform enough for the work they did to make it happen,” Hogan said in a statement Wednesday.

He called first responders and soldiers “heroes walking among us” who “deserve the deep thanks of a grateful city and state,” according to WBAL.

Hogan said 130 law enforcement officers were injured in the line of duty.

In all, 3,000 National Guard members and 1,000 law enforcement allies responded to assist with the response, he said. They began leaving Sunday and had completely left the city by Wednesday.

The state will take $20 million from the rainy day fund to cover the response, he said, noting that the final count of how much the recovery would cost had yet to be determined.

“Today we are pleased to announce that the city and its residents can begin to heal and rebuild in a peaceful and safe environment,” Hogan said. He added that the tensions in Baltimore did not build overnight and would take time to address.

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced Wednesday that she had asked the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the practices of the Baltimore Police, a measure that was also taken after riots in Ferguson, Mo.

• Baltimore Mayor Asks Justice Department to Investigate Baltimore Police
• National Guard Moving Out Via Baltimore County: Police
• Gov. Hogan Declares State of Emergency