Nightly Curfew Ends in Baltimore, National Guard Moving Out

Photo: @MDNG on Twitter

Baltimore took another step toward normalcy on Sunday, with the citywide curfew lifted by city officials and state National Guard troops beginning a drawdown.

Violent riots crippled the city nearly a week ago, but the fires, looting and madness of April 27 have been replaced with largely peaceful demonstrations in response to the mysterious death of Freddie Gray. First detained for running from police, Gray allegedly suffered a spinal injury during a police transport last month and died days later.

The six officers involved in his detainment now face charges related to his death, which was ruled a homicide by medical examiners.

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced Sunday that the nightly curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. has been lifted. She thanked the people of Baltimore for their patience.

“My goal has always been to not have the curfew in place a single day longer than was necessary,” Rawlings-Blake said in a statement. “I believe we have reached that point today.”

Gov. Larry Hogan also announced on Sunday that National Guard forces would begin demobilizing over the next three days.

More:

• Why Baltimore Burned
• Demonstrators Converge at City Hall for Rally Against Police Brutality
• How 6 Officers Contributed to Death of Freddie Gray: State’s Attorney