Protests Begin Outside Freddie Gray Hearing in Baltimore

By ELIZABETH JANNEY (Patch Staff)

Protests began early Wednesday morning outside the Baltimore City courthouse where hearings in the death of Freddie Gray are slated to begin at 9:30 a.m.

Six Baltimore Police officers have been charged in the case of 25-year-old Gray, who died in police custody April 19 from a spinal injury.

As of 10:20 a.m., Baltimore Police reports there has been one arrest and most protesters are cooperating and not blocking the roadways.

Early in the morning, protesters were seen chanting “we want justice we want peace” and “all night all day we will fight for Freddie gray.”

Baltimore People’s Power Assembly created a Facebook page to coordinate a protest outside Baltimore City Circuit Court. According to WJZ, more than one group was planning to demonstrate.

In preparation for potential unrest, the police department cancelled police leave on Sept. 2 and 10, when the pretrial hearings are slated to take place.

Wednesday’s hearing will reportedly address whether to hold the six trials separately or group the officers together; whether any charges may be dismissed; and whether Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby will be prosecuting. The Sept. 10 hearing is to cover whether the proceedings will take place in Baltimore.